Nepal
and India shares a special relationship since time immemorial. The dynamics of
Indo-Nepal relationship cannot be ascertained without comprehending multi
factors upon which the relationship of both the countries is based on. As
neighbors, Nepal and India are not only linked by land mass but also have many
common grounds of mutual cooperation and understandings. Two countries are
linked culturally, religiously, economically, and also politically. In spite of this special bonding between the
two countries, many a times bilateral disputes arise which have strained the
climate of trust and boding. Such conditions have been prevalent now in Nepal after
the promulgation of constitution, in which some of the suggestions of the
Indian establishment were ignored by the Nepalese political parties. These
difficult conditions are not new, but result of Indian interfering behavior of
India, based on the faulty treaties between Nepal and India, which needs a
timely review and renewal to strengthen the relationship between the two
countries.
Nepal
foreign policy is largely based on two doctrine of foreign policy of its
founder King Prithvi Narayan Shan which states: “Nepal is a sandwich between
India and China”, and “Do not involve in offense, but any warfare should be
based on defensive basis only.” Thus these two principles can be taken as the
pillars of foreign policy of Nepal.
Though
formal diplomatic relationship was established only on 13th June,
1947, Indo-Nepal relationship has been marked by extensive cooperation and
mutual understanding, crossing the limits of formality. The relationship
between the two countries is one of its kind and very much inter-related and
inter-dependent. Many a times, foreign affairs experts opine that the policy of
Nepal with India is in fact the foreign policy of Nepal.
One
of an important dynamics of Indo-Nepal relations is the latter’s economic
dependence on India. Nepal gets 2/3 of its exports from Indian, including
necessities like petroleum products for which it totally depends on India. Its
current trade deficit with India has crossed USD 3.80 billion, and is ever
increasing. India also has been contributing on the political developments in
Nepal, which most of the time has been debatable, leading backlash in both the
countries. Pioneer leaders of Nepalese political parties were involved in the
Indian Independence movement and had a good relationship with the leaders like
MK Gandhi, Nehru, Lohia, etc. After the Indian independence, it assisted the
political transition in Nepal with the advent of constitutional monarchy and
multiparty democracy by ousting the 104 years Rana oligarchy. Since then India
has been having a say in political developments in Nepal and has been using it
as a mechanism to maintain its big brotherhood attitude in Nepal.
While,
as a buffer state between India and China, Nepal has been successful to
maintain an arm’s length distance between its immediate neighbors. Nepal is
committed to avoid the use of its land against security concerns of India
(terrorism, money laundering etc.) and as also vividly supports one-China
policy. Nepalese delegates keep on
reiterating these policies whenever they are engaged in mutual discourse with
the delegation from its immediate neighbors. As such it can be said that Nepal
has been able to address the security concern of its neighboring countries.
Among
the earliest treaty between India and Nepal is Peace and Friendship treaty-1950
which envisions a common custom regime, free employment, and free movement
across border, etc. While the basic structure of governance in India remains
the same, it has undergone massive change in Nepal since the Peace and
Friendship treaty of 1950 was signed. Thus time and again the need to amend 65
years old treaty is felt.
Over
the years there have been quite a few instances of ups and downs in the
Indo-Nepal relationship. 1990 blockade, Mahakhali treaty, Pancheswar Treaty,
Bhutanese refugee issue, border disputes in Susta and Lipulek , and recent
unofficial blockade of India after the promulgation of the constitution in
Nepal, etc are few to name. These issues led to a massive outpour of
anti-Indian sentiments in Nepal, which had led the relationship between the
countries to a record low
The
sooner the better, leaders from both the countries should realize that foreign
relation based on the principle of Panchasheel, UN charter, international norms
of Peace and welfare etc. can help. As
per the need of the time, India and Nepal should overhaul the diplomatic
relationship and also the relevant treaties which lay foundation to such
relationship. This can lead towards foundation of trust in upcoming diplomatic
courses between the countries. Similarly India should stop meddling into political
happenings in Nepal which while focusing on the miniature affairs, may end up
jeopardizing its strategic concerns in Nepal. In the same way, Nepalese
political leaders should display maturity in dealing with its giant neighbor. Nepalese
government should consolidate the foreign policy of the country and empower
foreign ministry to execute its diplomatic affairs.
In
the recent context India should have been gracious in welcoming Nepal’s new
constitution while registering its reservations/suggestions. Thus, India need
to immediately correct the course and remove the blockade in Nepal and create a
congenial environment for overhauling the overall diplomatic relations between
the two countries.
