Nepal-China Ties: Network of ‘connectivity’ from Kathmandu to Tibet, Nepal’s growing steps with China; What is the strategic challenge for India?

The increasing proximity of Nepal and China is giving rise to new equations in the changing geo-politics of South Asia. Nepal is now preparing to give a new impetus to cross-border connectivity with China. Under the recent agreements between Kathmandu and Beijing, a detailed blueprint has been prepared for the ‘Trans-Himalayan Connectivity Network’. These development works taking place under China’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will not only boost trade but are also posing a major strategic challenge to India’s traditional influence in the region. Trans-Himalayan Network: What is China’s plan? After Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal’s visit to China, the strategy of giving priority to cross-border relations has become clear. Major projects that have been agreed upon between the two countries include: Kerung-Chilime Transmission Line: It aims to connect Tibet’s electricity grid directly to Nepal. Kathmandu-Tibet Railway Line: Work is being expedited on this proposed railway project connecting Kerung in China with Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The aim of these projects is to transform Nepal from a ‘land-locked’ country to a ‘land-linked’ country, giving China direct access across the Himalayas. Growing strategic concerns for India China’s increasing investment and activism in Nepal is a matter of concern for India at many levels. China’s increasing interference in the age-old cultural and diplomatic relations between India and Nepal is creating a new diplomatic puzzle. Experts believe that Beijing is seeing Nepal as an important link in its Himalayan strategy. China’s entry into the sectors of energy, transport and digital technology is a big signal for India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, balancing which is now a big challenge for both Kathmandu and Delhi. China is keeping a strict eye on American projects. China is not only establishing its roots in Nepal, but is also trying to limit the influence of other countries there. Beijing has openly expressed dissatisfaction over projects like the US Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and State Partnership Program (SPP) in Nepal. Chinese officials argue that these projects could pose a threat to Nepal’s security through external powers. This shows that Nepal is now going through a tough test of maintaining diplomatic balance between the superpowers. Brahmaputra and the ‘new front’ of water security Along with increasing connectivity with Nepal, China is also affecting India’s water security with its activities on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet. After the 510 MW Jangmu Dam, China’s plan to build the world’s largest mega-dam on the upper reaches of the river is raising new environmental and water security concerns for India and Bangladesh. This unprecedented expansion of infrastructure in the Himalayan region is going to be a major issue for strategic stability and environmental balance in South Asia in the times to come.