Time to Improve Indo-Nepal Relations

 

Time to Improve Indo-Nepal Relations

At present the relations between India and Nepal are seemed to be tensed. There is a larger perception that Nepal is moving closer to China. It is definitely a negative sign and headache for India. Nepal is our next door neighbour which shares the common boundary on eastern side. Beyond Nepal lies Tibet which has been acquired by China long back against the wishes of the Tibetan people. Hence, it is of utmost importance for us to win back Nepal and create the trust in Indo-Nepal relations. It is crucial not only for maintaining a peace with very old friend like Nepal but also to secure the Indian eastern border from the menace of Chinese.

 India has always enjoyed a special relationship with this tiny Himalayan nation. Since ancient times the Indians and Nepalese have lived together as almost brothers. Mahatma Gautam Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini was located in present day Nepal. Apart from India it is Nepal where the maximum number of Hindus can be found. Sometimes Nepal is also referred as Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation).

The boundary between India and Nepal is free for its nationals. It means that Indians and Nepalese can move in to each other’s country without restrictions. As result of it one can se that many Nepalese come to India without legal hassles such as Visa , Passport, Permits, etc. It could possible due to a Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed between India and Nepal in 1950. It was signed when Rana regime was ruling Nepal. This Treaty is a major symbol of friendship between India and Nepal. But, one could see that many a times objections have been raised about this treaty from Nepalese side. It is perceived that the educated middle class in Nepal is raising concerns and questions about this Treaty. Some elements from Nepal are trying to assert their national identity and hence, trying to oppose the Treaty peace and Friendship. A strong educated middle class has come in to existence is a good sign. Middle class is an intellectual backbone of modern societies. It contributes to the intellectual, cultural, educational, economic and overall growth and development of the country. But, as far as the opposition of this class from Nepal to such a fantastic Treaty is based on wrong footings and misperception. This treaty is actually very much beneficial to Nepal. The free movements of Nepali nationals from Nepal to India is in a way is possible due to this Treaty. 

The people from Nepal can easily come to India and they can even settle down in any part of the country. Not only so they can even own property and get recruited in Government Service in India. It is indeed a great privilege offered to Nepalese people. The Indian Army has a special Gorkha Regiment. The recruits in Gorkha Regiment are Nepalis. This regiment is very important for Indian Army. The Gorkha Regiment is known for its ferocious fighting skills. The Motto of Gorkha Regiment is Kayar Hunu Bhanda Marnu Ramro (Better to die than live like a coward). The War Cry of Gorkha Regiments (Rifles) in Indian is Jai Maha Kali, Ayo Gorkhali (Hail Goddess Kali, The Gorkhas are here). It is one of the famous examples of trust and mutual faith. The nationals of other country are given chance to serve in the armed forces of some other country. Many soldiers and officers from Gorkha Regiment have settled down in Nepal after retirement from service. They draw all the financial benefits including retirement pensions.

Another area of significance vis-à-vis Indo-Nepal relations are the water resources. The important water projects involved here are Koshi, Gandaki, Tanakpur Barrage, mahakali project, etc. India has given lots of help and support to Nepal in this respect and still more can be done in this regard.

If you look at Indo-Nepal relations we realise that we have a history of good relations. But, at times Nepal has demonstrated unhappiness on certain aspects. Whenever such a situation is created it is necessary to have a dialogue on priority basis and sort the issues out. Afterall, friendly and amicable relations are going to help both India and Nepal in a great way. Nepal needs India for promoting its overall growth, especially economic development. Already the Nepalese currency, Nepalese Rupee is closely tied with Indian Rupee. Nepal is also dependent on India for availability of various goods. India is a source of petroleum products, foodstuffs and many other necessary articles needed by Nepal. Hence, it is necessary to both India and Nepal to deal cautiously with the border disputes like Kalapani boundary.

The major perception in India is that Nepal is moving closer to China which is a quite wrong on the part of Nepal. The Chinese have the habit of exploiting the situation in its neighbourhood for their own benefits. Not only so, if we see their record in Pakistan and Sri Lanka then we realise that they do not give financial help to anybody without its vested interest. They do offer the help the economic help but ensure that a party asking for help gets debt ridden in the years to come. And later on China systematically exploits the situation for promoting its own financial benefits and strategic issues. The unprecedented financial and economic problems in Sri Lanka are created mainly due to the Chinese loans and economic intereference in that tiny island nation. Hence, the leadership in Nepal needs to give a deep and proper thought to it before moving closer to China. China is just interested to widen the divide and use rather exploit Nepal for creating trouble for India. Afterall, india and Nepal are brothers. The rivalry, conflicts, tensions, differences of opinion are bound to be there between the brothers. But, we should not allow these differences to grow to extraordinary level. China has also planned a railway connecting Tibet with Nepal. This Project might sound to be a good infrastructure facility, but in long run it might be misused by China for military purposes compromising the sovereignty of Nepal which India has never done.

Whatever misunderstandings are existing between India and Nepal are needed to be sorted out amicably on fast-track basis. Because the future, dreams and lives of millions of Nepalese earning livelihood in India and leading a decent and secure life is dependent on it. Also lots of Nepalese of Indian origin called as Madhesi have connections and roots back in India. Historically India and Nepal have coexisted historically for several centuries. We need to follow this trend and thread in future as well which would help both India and Nepal in terms of development, national security and further deepening of cultural relations. Hence, it is necessary to say that these two brothers need to sit across the table and sort out their differences and again develop the same kind of love and affection for each other. Let us conclude by saying that It’s a time improve Indo-Nepal Relations for the mutual benefit of both.