Nepal And India Ties Warming Once Again

The Chinese Debt Trap has engulfed four SAARC nations. Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh are already facing the sting of the Chinese Debt trap. Sri Lanka has declared a state of emergency to deal with the economic collapse. Pakistan is also facing financial ruin due to the defunct BRI project. Nepal has also taken a massive loan from China. The present communist-run Government in Nepal is feeling increasing discomfort in taking diktats from China. Ties with India have worsened, and Nepal is making amends now.

Communist Government In Nepal Ruined Relations With India

Nepal has traditionally enjoyed good relations with India. However, the rise of the Maoist Government in Nepal has led to a steady nosedive with regard to India. The final nail in the coffin was the publication of maps showing large tracts of Indian territories as Nepalese territory. Nepal also turned a blind eye to the activities of the ISI in the country. Remember, the founder of Indian Mujahidin, Yasin Bhatkal, was caught by Indian Intelligence agencies in Nepal.

Nepal Mending Relations With India

Local Nepal politics has also changed, and the Nepalese Press, which was Pro-China, is increasingly becoming critical of Beijing’s extreme interference in Nepal’s domestic policy. The recent visit by Nepal PM Deuba, the first in four years, is a measure to reset damaged ties with India. The visit once again highlighted the special relationship with the former only Hindu nation in the world. Deuba was presented with a replica of the Ram Mandir instead of the Taj Mahal, as was common in the past. He also visited Varanasi and paid a visit to the New BJP office. Deuba’s moves were seen as a way to influence and consolidate the Hindu votes in the forthcoming Nepal Parliamentary elections.

India has also agreed that it will look at the Kalapani issue to protect Nepal’s interests. India has also completed the 5-km train service between Jayanagar in India and Kurtha in Nepal to be extended another 69 km to Bardibas. India will also buy surplus power from Nepal.