The 6th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting took place recently, where Nepal brought up the Kalapani boundary dispute with India. The two sides covered a wide range of cooperation areas, such as power, oil and gas, water resources, capacity building, and tourism. However, India refrained from discussing the conflict at this level, citing the existence of a dedicated Foreign Secretary-level mechanism aimed to handle boundary debates.
Nepal’s Covid-19 Vaccine Requirements
The commission also discussed Nepal’s need for vaccines to combat the Covid-19 pandemic as it has approved Serum Institute of India’s (SII) Covishield vaccine. Both delegations evaluated the development partnership and deliberated on the benefits of the Integrated Check Posts (ICP) at Birgunj and Biratnagar in Nepal. These posts have facilitated the seamless movement of people and business between the two nations.
New ICP and Cultural Heritage Projects
The third and fourth ICP at Nepalgunj and Bhairahawa respectively are planned to be initiated. Furthermore, India will fund two cultural heritage schemes in Nepal: the ‘Pashupatinath Riverfront Development’ and the ‘Bhandarkhal Garden Restoration in Patan Durbar’.
Nepal’s Foreign Minister’s Speech at Indian Council of World Affairs
During his visit, Nepal’s Foreign Minister delivered a speech at the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), a think tank established in 1943 dedicated to the study of international relations and foreign affairs. The Vice President of India serves as the ex-officio President of ICWA.
Historical Ties Between India and Nepal
Nepal has been considered an important neighbour of India for its geographic, historic, cultural, and economic ties that span centuries. India and Nepal share connections in terms of Hinduism and Buddhism, with Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini located in present-day Nepal. The two countries not only have an open border and unhindered movement of people but also familial ties known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta.
India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950
The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 is the cornerstone of the special relations between the two countries. Rivers starting in Nepal contribute to the perennial river systems of India ecologically and in terms of hydropower potential.
Trade, Economy, and Connectivity Between India and Nepal
India is Nepal’s largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign investments. It provides transit for almost all of Nepal’s third-country trade. As a landlocked nation, Nepal is surrounded by India on three sides and one side is open towards Tibet with limited vehicular access. Various connectivity programs have been undertaken to enhance people-to-people linkages and promote economic growth and development.
Defence Cooperation and Cultural Exchanges
Bilateral defence cooperation includes assistance to the Nepalese Army in its modernization through provision of equipment and training. Initiatives promoting people-to-people contacts in art & culture, academics, and media have also been promoted.
Humanitarian Assistance and Multilateral Partnership
Nepal lies in an ecologically fragile zone prone to earthquakes and floods, causing significant damage to life and property, which makes it the biggest recipient of India’s humanitarian assistance. Both countries share multiple multilateral forums.
Issues and Challenges: China’s Intervention and the Border Dispute
China has been progressively filling the space in Nepal’s affairs with investments, aid and loans, pushing Nepal away from India’s influence. Nepal’s border dispute with India over Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh of Uttarakhand has also added to the challenges.
Way Forward
India should aim for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the boundary dispute with Nepal under the aegis of International law on Trans-boundary Water Disputes. Increased engagement at multiple levels should be considered and differences should not be allowed to turn into disputes.