The Indian and Nepali ambassadors are anticipated to come together in Kathmandu, Nepal for a review of projects underwritten by the Indian government. Due to current pandemic conditions, the meeting is likely to be conducted via videoconference.
India-Nepal Joint Oversight Mechanism
The planned meeting is set to be part of the established India- Nepal Joint Oversight Mechanism. Founded in 2016, this platform was created to aid with the review of ongoing bilateral economic and developmental projects. The Indian government has reserved Rs. 800 crore in its 2020-21 budget for projects in Nepal.
Key Projects
Several initiatives are included in these projects, such as building roads in the Terai region, assisting Nepal in reconstructing after the 2015 earthquake, developing railway lines, establishing a police training academy, a polytechnic college, an oil pipeline, and border check posts. Recently, an agreement for the construction of sanitation facilities at the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu was signed between India and Nepal.
Political Tensions
This diplomatic event gains significance in light of recent tensions between India and Nepal. In 2017, Nepal agreed to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which aimed to develop highways, airports, and other infrastructure in the country. This move was perceived as Nepal leaning towards China as India had rejected the initiative.
Border Disputes
In 2019, political friction was further ignited when a new map of India, redrafted after Jammu and Kashmir’s bifurcation, depicted Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as parts of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand state. Nepal strongly objected to this representation, insisting on negotiations to resolve the issue. A road inaugurated by the Indian government leading up to Lipulekh Pass added fuel to the dispute, leading to Nepal releasing a new map incorporating all the disputed territories claimed by India.
Way Forward
Both countries, having historically maintained close ties, should collaborate to alleviate the existing tensions. Nepal’s increasing closeness with China could potentially raise security concerns for India, especially in the midst of the ongoing India-China conflicts. As per India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, it is crucial that India adopts a more proactive approach in its dealings with Nepal, which includes increased people-to-people engagement, bureaucratic cooperation, and political interactions. It might be beneficial to draw on the Gujral Doctrine which previously resolved the India-Bangladesh dispute in this context.
