The Hindu Editorial Analysis- 16th July 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

‘Big brother’ to ‘Brother’, a Nepal-India reset

Why in News?

Relations between India and Nepal have dipped severely since 2015 when Narendra Modi and Khadga Prasad Oli were both Prime Ministers. There is now opportunity to upgrade the relationship to ‘positive’ and ‘stable’ with Mr. Modi having reclaimed the top post a third time and as Mr. Oli too comes out on top, in a unique collaboration between his CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress. The bilateral turbulence started with adoption of the new Constitution by Nepal’s Constituent Assembly in 2015, which New Delhi had wanted reworked. Some politicians seem to have made promises to Mr. Modi in their New Delhi visits, but in the end they promulgated the draft unamended.

Major Areas of Cooperation Between India and Nepal

Overview:

• Special Bonds: India and Nepal share strong bonds of friendship and collaboration, with an open border and deep people-to-people connections rooted in kinship and culture.
• Shared Border: Nepal shares a border of over 1850 km with five Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
• Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950): This forms the foundation of the special relations between India and Nepal.

Economic Cooperation:

• Trade Partner: India is Nepal's largest trade partner and the largest source of foreign investments.
• Transit: India provides transit for almost all of Nepal's third-country trade.
• Merchandise Trade: India accounts for about two-thirds of Nepal’s merchandise trade.
• Trade in Services: India accounts for about one-third of Nepal's trade in services.
• Recent Agreements: India and Nepal have agreed to review the Treaty of Transit and the Treaty of Trade, propose amendments, enhance investment strategies, harmonize standards, and develop trade infrastructure.

Defense Cooperation:

• Modernization: India aids the modernization of the Nepal Army through equipment supply and training provisions.
• Joint Exercises: The joint military exercise 'Surya Kiran' is conducted at the battalion level in both countries on a rotational basis. In 2023, it was held in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand.

Cultural Cooperation:

• Cultural Festival: The inaugural India-Nepal Cultural Festival was organized in Lumbini in December 2023, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of both countries with a focus on Buddhism.

Water Sharing:

• Koshi Agreement (1954, revised 1966) and Gandak Agreement (1959, revised 1964): These were initial significant agreements in water resource cooperation.
• Mahakali Treaty (1996): Ensures fair utilization of Mahakali river waters for both countries.

Connectivity:

• Road Upgrades: India is upgrading 10 roads in the Terai area.
• Rail Links: Establishing cross-border rail links at Jogbani-Biratnagar and Jaynagar-Bardibas.
• Integrated Check Posts: Setting up at Birgunj, Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj.
• Electricity Export: India exported about 2200 MUs of electricity to Nepal in 2021.

Major Challenges to India-Nepal Relations

Boundary Dispute:

• Significant Tension: The boundary dispute is a major source of tension, particularly concerning the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh trijunction area in western Nepal and the Susta area in southern Nepal.

China’s Rising Footprint:

• Financial and Technical Assistance: China has been providing financial and technical assistance to Nepal in various sectors including infrastructure, industrialization, human resources, health, education, and water resources.
• Undermining Buffer Status: Increased cooperation between Nepal and China may undermine Nepal’s status as a buffer state between India and China.

Military Concerns:

• Gorkha Recruitment: Traditionally, Gorkhas have served in the Indian Army. However, concerns over India’s new Agniveer scheme might lead them to join China's People’s Liberation Army (PLA).

Way Forward in India-Nepal Relations

Addressing Immediate Concerns:

• Agniveer Scheme: Prioritize addressing concerns related to the Agniveer Scheme to build trust and goodwill.
• Joint Projects: Develop joint projects for the benefit of border regions, fostering a sense of shared development.

Diplomatic Dialogue:

• Sustained Discussions: Engage in sustained and open diplomatic discussions to address the boundary dispute and other contentious issues.

Track-II Diplomacy:

• Non-Governmental Entities: Encourage Track-II diplomacy involving non-governmental entities, academics, and civil society to provide a new shape to India-Nepal cooperation.

UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Q. Consider the following pairs: (2016)

Community sometimes In the affairs of mentioned in the news

1. Kurd — Bangladesh

2. Madhesi — Nepal

3. Rohingya — Myanmar

Which of the pairs given above is/are correctly matched?

(a) 1 and 2 

(b) 2 only 

(c) 2 and 3

(d) 3 only

Ans: (c)