Indo-Nepal Relations: Challenges & Oppurtunities

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India and Nepal has a close and unique relationship since ancient times. Geographical, historical, economic and socio-cultural factors have played key roles in giving shape to this bilateral relationship. Free movement of people on either side of the border has influenced each other's history, culture, tradition and relationship. In modern times, India and Nepal established a friendly relationship with the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship 1950. By this Treaty both the countries agreed to acknowledge and respect each other's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence and established a close relationship from strategic and economic perspective. Although, the Treaty has been successful to foster friendly relations, mutual understanding and cultural ties between the two countries but on the other hand, it has also been a ground for much misunderstanding between them.

In the present book the writers have discussed and undertaken a thorough analysis of the issues concerning Indo-Nepal relations as expert of the subject. The internal political dynamics of Nepal and its impact on Indo-Nepal bilateral relations has been consciously discussed. Discussions have been made on the political parties of Nepal particularly parties in opposition which have been involved in making efforts to politicize the Indo-Nepal Treaties for their own political gains. The governments of Nepal have often been using the Sino- India differences to fulfil its vested national interests by following the policy of distancing from India. Besides the issues of economic, strategic and national security importance for both the countries have also been discussed in detail.

The arrangement of an open border system lay down in the Treaty, proved immensely beneficial to the border inhabitants as it created ideological and political linkages between both the neighbouring countries of South Asia. However, it is alleged that the open border between India and Nepal is responsible for many existing internal security problems of both the countries. No doubt, the open border has been misused by the criminals, smugglers and terrorists who take refuge in Nepal after committing crimes in India or vice- versa. But we must not forget that the open border system symbolizes the deep trust and friendship between the two countries. For the sake of this unparallel deep trust and friendship both the sides are expected to ensure that the border may not be misused by unscrupulous elements of either side.

Indio-Nepal relations had also been affected by the Cold War politics. With the demise of Soviet Union in 1989 the ground realities have changed. Nepal also witnessed rapid political changes. In the changed and complex global and regional political scenario of the post-Cold War period both the countries understand the importance of maintaining a closer cooperation and understanding in the various fields of their mutual interests.

Chinese aid to Nepal has political and strategic considerations. By undertaking road construction projects in Terai area which is contiguous to the plains of India, China aims to undermine India's security interests. The increasing Chinese influence in Nepal and its continuous effort to checkmate India at every level is meant to reduce Indian interests and influence in Nepal.

There is no denying the fact that there are certain irritants and contentious issues which adversely affect the bilateral relations between the two Countries time to time. What India and Nepal are needed in this regard is to develop true spirit and better understanding to resolve the issues whichever exist and to maintain their friendly relationship. High level visits, bilateral talks, debates and discourse prove to be vital in this regard. Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi's visit to Nepal was a visit of any Indian Prime Minister after a long time. During this visit the Prime Ministers of both the countries underlined the need to explore ways to enhance sub-regional cooperation, particularly in the areas of trade, transit, connectivity and hydropower.

**Contents and Sample Pages**