Uniqueness of the relations between India and Nepal is unparalleled in many respects.
Both, deep- rooted, people to people, informal closeness and formal diplomatic relations have equal importance in India – Nepal Relations.
Nepal is an important neighbour of India because of the geographical, historical , cultural and economic linkages that span centuries.
A glance at the historical underpinning of both the countries..
- With the signing of the Treaty Of Peace And Friendship( 1950) with Nepal, which acted as a bedrock in revoking the grand heritage and cultural past of the two neighborhood countries.
- Religious commonalities including Hinduism, Buddhism with Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini located in present day Nepal.
The country not only sharing an open border with free movement of people but also important cultural ties through marriages and familial ties, popularly known as Roti – Beti Ka Rishta.
CURRENT CONFLICT..
Nepal has always been a good friend of India but the latest incident of Nepal having released a new map including Lipulekh , Kalapani , Limpiyadhura as a part of their country have brought a strain in the Nexus shared by the two countries.
It is to be noted that the Treaty Of Sagauli signed between Gurkha Chiefs of Nepal and the British Indian Government in the year 1816 is the only principal document with respect to border disputes. This treaty was agreed by both the sides which marked the river Mahakali as the boundary line between the two countries.
Now the question arises what made Nepal to reconstruct it’s map all of a sudden and why it has become a bone of contention between the two countries..
It followed after our Defence Minister virtually inaugurated a new 80 km long road in the Himalayas, connecting to the border with China, at the Lipulekh pass on 8th of May 2020.
Before this, India has released its map in November 2019 which included Kalapani area- this was opposed by Nepal even then who is claiming it since the year 1998. The Kalapani area is a part of the Indian territory under the Pittoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand.
Why India’s claim is legitimate..
India new road, up to the Lipulekh pass, is not an unprecedented change in the status quo. India has controlled this territory and built other infrastructure here besides conducting it’s administration and deploying military forces up to the border pass with China. India has been in effective possession of this territory for at least 60 years.
Most importantly, the region is of strategic importance, and the new road is now one of the quickest links between Delhi and Tibetan plateau.
In a 2015 statement, China also recognised India’s sovereignty by agreeing to expand trade through the Lipulekh pass.
Nepal’s perspective in this regard..
Nepal government immediately protested, contending that the road crosses territory that it claims and accused India of changing the status quo without diplomatic consultations.
Nepal said that it conducted a census there in the early 1950s and refers to the 1815 Sagauli Treaty inorder to legitimise it’s claim.
As far as 2015 agreement is concerned, Nepal raised the objection as it feels that it’s consent has not been taken and viewed is as an infringement to it’s sovereignty.
Why that area is strategically important for India?
India cannot afford to lose its grip over that area with respect to three major factors..
1- Security Factor-
It serves as a strategic point for keeping a close eye on the actions of Tibet and China.
2- Economic Factor-
It is the strategic route for conducting a bi- lateral trade between India and China which has been skipped this year due to Covid – 19 pandemic.
3- Religious Factor-
The third reason is that it is of great importance to the public appeasement policies of the BJP government led by Mr. Narendra Modi as it serves as a shortest route to the kailash Mansarovar Yatra which is an important Hindu Pilgrimage Site.
Factors hampering the equation of India and Nepal : Problems and Prospects..
1- Prime Minister of Nepal, Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli has been a strong votary of greater connectivity with China which is evident by his commitment to be a part of Xi’s pet project, The belt and road Intiative, which continues to be a point of friction between India and China.
2- Inorder to gain momentum in politics, Anti- Hindu sentiments were exploited by all the political parties leading to deterioation of relations between the two countries.
3- One of the most important factor responsible for deteriorating equation is the ISI Activities in Nepal against India.
4- China supporting Nepal and infuriating Anti- India sentiments..
It is no hidden fact that China is infuriating India’s neighbouring countries against India.
5- Recently, the comment made by Indian Army General Manoj Mukund Narvane has not got down well with the intellectuals and civil society of Nepal.
He said, “Nepal is acting as someone’s behest”.
This border dispute has also given the Nepali Prime Minister to ignite nationalist sentiments in Nepal in order to hide his failures.
Now, what is the way forward?
I think India should resort to diplomatic yet trustworthy stance as it is already facing a hell lot of problems in the face of Covid- 19 pandemic, India- China face border face off, locust attack. And this can only be possible through proper channel of communication and cooperation not conflict. India should be providing an alternative narrative for India – Nepal ties, one that takes into account long-standing people to people ties and cultural connect.
New Delhi should remain firm in it’s commitment towards an equitable and sustainable partnership. The border dispute should be resolved through concrete and constructive measure and India can rise to the occasion in playing a major role in this pandemic as a regional hegemon with due respect to the integrity and sovereignty of Nepal.