Rajesh Jain, senior journalist
The relationship between India and Nepal is considered to be one of the most unique, complex and most emotional relationships in the politics of South Asia. There are very few neighboring countries in the world whose borders are open and societies are connected at such a deep level. The relationship between India and Nepal is not just a relationship between two governments; It has been a living example of shared culture, religion, language, trade, traditions and human relationships for centuries, but this relationship also becomes tense from time to time due to distrust, nationalism, border disputes and geopolitical competition.
In recent days, a statement by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah has once again raised the question as to why India-Nepal relations repeatedly reach the point of border disputes and political discomfort. Balen Shah said in the Nepali Parliament that not only India has encroached on Nepali land, but Nepal has also occupied some Indian areas. There was an uproar in the Parliament of Nepal after the statement. The opposition asked him for evidence, the Ministry of External Affairs had to issue a clarification and a heated debate started on social media.
At first glance, this may seem like a simple political statement, but it is actually indicative of the deep change that has been visible in India-Nepal relations in the last few years. This is not just a matter of border dispute. Behind this there are many layers related to nationalism, geopolitics, increasing role of China, new political thinking of Nepal and India’s traditional neighborhood policy.
The relationship between India and Nepal is much older than modern borders. The cultural stream extending from the Himalayas to the Ganga plains has connected the two countries for thousands of years. Be it the religious ties between Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple and India’s Kashi or the cultural connection between Janakpur and Ayodhya – both the countries have always influenced each other. Millions of citizens of Nepal receive education, find employment and do business in India. The Nepali community seems to mix seamlessly in Indian cities.
The proud history of the Gorkha Regiment in the Indian Army has been a symbol of trust and partnership between the two countries. The open border has made this relationship more special. Unlike most countries of the world, citizens of India and Nepal can visit each other without visa and passport. This is why India-Nepal relations are not only diplomatic but also social and emotional relations. Political tensions may arise, but affinity often persists at the public level.
The modern structure of India–Nepal relations is largely based on the India–Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950. The objective of this treaty was to ease security cooperation, trade and civil movement between the two countries. At that time, in view of the Communist Revolution in China and the changing geopolitics of the Himalayan region, India considered Nepal an important part of its security policy. This treaty gave Nepal special economic and security relations with India.
Trade, investment and employment opportunities increased, but over time the perception in Nepal began to strengthen that the treaty was not made on the basis of equality. Many political parties and intellectuals of Nepal have been calling it an ‘unequal treaty’. India considers this treaty important for security and strategic cooperation, while Nepal sees it as linked to its sovereignty and independent foreign policy. This is the reason why the demand for review of the treaty keeps arising from time to time. (These are the personal views of the author)
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