India-Nepal Bilateral Ties
27th January, 2024
India-Nepal Bilateral Ties
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Context
- FM Jaishankar’s two days visit to Nepal to co-chair with his Nepalese counterpart the 7th Nepal-India Joint Commission meeting.
Details:
- The Sharda River, also called Kali River and Mahakali River, originates at Kalapani in the Himalayas at an elevation of 3,600 m (11,800 ft) in the Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand.
- It flows along Nepal's western border with India and has a basin area of 14,871 km2.
- It joins Ghaghra River, a tributary of the Ganges.
- It takes the name Kali River from the union of the two streams at Gunji as it flows through the hills.
- After Brahmadev Mandi near Tanakpur, it enters the Terai plains, where it is called Sharda River.
- The Pancheshwar Dam, a joint venture of India and Nepal for irrigation and hydro-electric power generation was proposed on this river..
INTRODUCTION:
- Foreign Minister Jaishankar's visit to Nepal underscores India's commitment to strong bilateral ties. India views Nepal as a priority partner, evident in various collaborative efforts spanning trade, connectivity, development assistance, defense cooperation, cultural exchanges, and humanitarian assistance.
Background of relations:
- Geography and People-to-People Ties:
- Over 1850 km of shared border across five Indian states.
- Free movement of people, with nearly 8 million Nepalese citizens living and working in India.
- The unique provision allowing Nepalese citizens to enroll in Indian civil services and the Army.
- Treaty of Peace and Friendship:
- The 1950 Treaty forms the foundation for special relations.
- Provisions grant facilities and opportunities to Nepalese citizens on par with Indian citizens.
- Regular high-level visits and interactions maintain diplomatic ties.
- Defence Cooperation:
- India assists Nepal Army in modernization through equipment supply and training.
- Joint military exercises, adventure activities, and bilateral visits strengthen defence cooperation.
- Gorkha regiments in the Indian Army are partly recruited from Nepal.
- Humanitarian Assistance - 2015 Earthquake:
- Swift dispatch of NDRF teams and relief materials showcased solidarity.
- Total relief assistance exceeded US$ 67 million.
- A post-earthquake reconstruction package of US$ 1 billion was announced.
- Connectivity and Development Partnership:
- Broad-based development assistance focuses on grassroots infrastructure, health, water resources, and education.
- Ongoing projects include cross-border rail links, integrated check posts, and border infrastructure development.
- Lines of Credit and grants support infrastructure development.
- Water Resources and Energy Cooperation:
- A three-tier bilateral mechanism since 2008 addresses water resources, flood management, and hydropower.
- Power Exchange Agreement since 1971 and the recent cross-border petroleum pipeline enhance energy cooperation.
- India currently supplies about 600 MW of power to Nepal.
- Economic Relations:
- India is Nepal's largest trading partner.
- Bilateral trade reached INR 57,858 crore in 2018-19.
- Indian firms contribute over 30% of approved foreign direct investments in Nepal.
- Education and Culture:
- Around 3000 scholarships/seats provided annually to Nepalese nationals for various courses.
- Initiatives in art, culture, academics, and media promote people-to-people contacts.
- Indian community in Nepal includes professionals, businessmen, and laborers.
India’s importance to Nepal:
- India is the nearest foreign employer to Nepali Citizens, which provides various avenues of work and ease in assimilation into a foreign culture.
- Nepal’s reluctance to Mandarin has overturned several Nepali students into Indian universities.
- India is the only potential neighbour who could harness Nepal’s hydropower.
- Moreover, Indian tourists are the major movers of Nepal’s tourism sector.
- As close neighbors, India and Nepal share unique ties of friendship and cooperation characterized by an open border and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture.
Navigating Complex Dynamics
- Political Motivations:
- Wrong perceptions of India's backing to the monarchy have contributed to anti-India sentiments.
- Accusations of India supporting specific Nepali factions, such as the Madhesi community, further strain relations.
- Madhesi Population and India's Role:
- The Madhesi community in the Terai region has historical ties with India.
- Accusations of India supporting Madhesi groups have led to claims of interference in Nepal's internal matters.
- China's Influence:
- Nepal's increasing proximity to China and its participation in the Belt and Road Initiative raise concerns for India.
- China's investments, aid, and loans have shaped a new dynamic in India-Nepal relations.
- Boundary Disputes:
- Two major boundary disputes, Kalapani and Susta, contribute to tensions.
- Differing interpretations of river origins and reliance on old British surveys create complexities.
- Kalapani Dispute: Disputed territory in Uttarakhand, India, where the origin of the River Kali serves as the boundary.
- India and Nepal differ on which survey – newer or older – should demarcate the area.
- Susta Dispute: A territorial dispute in the Terai region adds to the boundary challenges.
- Porous Border Challenges:
- The porous India-Nepal border poses security challenges for both nations.
- Issues include the use of Nepalese territory by militants for infiltration and support from Nepalese Maoists to Indian Maoists.
- Cross-Border Crimes:
- Special status granted to Nepal makes the border vulnerable to various illegal activities.
- Challenges include militants using Nepalese territory for hideouts, human trafficking, smuggling, and circulation of fake currency.
Way Forward:
- Diplomatic Dialogue: Addressing boundary disputes through diplomatic channels to find amicable solutions.
- Enhanced Cooperation: Strengthening collaboration on security to combat cross-border crimes and maintain stability.
- People-to-People Ties: Promoting cultural exchanges and people-to-people connections to bridge gaps.
- Clear Communication: Ensuring clear communication to dispel misunderstandings and foster mutual trust.
Steps that can be taken
- Resolving Border Issues:
- Both countries should engage in talks to resolve the remaining border disputes.
- Completing the ongoing process of updating the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship is crucial.
- Addressing Aspirations:
- Acknowledge Nepal's aspirations for opportunities beyond its open Indian border.
- Facilitate innovation, technology transfer, educational exchanges, and skills development.
- Timely Project Completion:
- Ensure timely completion of infrastructure projects like Pancheswar and address pending projects for enhanced connectivity.
- Diplomatic Resolution:
- Diplomatically resolve the boundary dispute under international law on Trans-Boundary Water Disputes.
- Non-Interference:
- Maintain a policy of non-interference in Nepal's internal affairs while offering guidance toward inclusive democracy.
- Strategic Relevance:
- Recognize Nepal's strategic importance for Indian security concerns, emphasizing stability and security.
- Comprehensive Nepal Policy:
- Formulate a comprehensive and long-term Nepal policy beyond a security prism, focusing on multifaceted relationships.
Conclusion
- India-Nepal relationship is multifaceted, reflecting a comprehensive partnership that spans diverse sectors. As both nations navigate the complexities of the global landscape, their enduring ties, mutual respect, and shared aspirations are poised to strengthen further, contributing to regional stability and prosperity. The diplomatic engagement and collaborative efforts between India and Nepal continue to serve as a testament to the enduring bonds between these two neighbors.
CITATIONS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vecNZ5hwza8
https://newsonair.gov.in/News?title=India-Nepal-review-progress-of-all-bilateral-projects&id=350296
https://www.mea.gov.in/Portal/ForeignRelation/India-Nepal_Bilateral_Brief_Feb_2020.pdf
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