Kathmandu, March 8: The recent election results in Nepal could pave the way for renewed relations between Kathmandu and New Delhi, which have been strained in recent times. The Himalayan nation is expected to form a strong government capable of thawing the icy relations.
The India-Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty serves as the foundation for bilateral ties, emphasizing open borders and cultural proximity. India has been a key partner for Nepal, significantly contributing to trade and investment initiatives.
Moreover, the relationship between the two countries is deeply rooted in social and cultural connections, including extensive people-to-people interactions.
Despite these strong ties, changes in Nepal’s political landscape have caused fluctuations in relations. Issues such as border disputes, rising distrust, security concerns, and political interference have complicated bilateral relations.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs welcomed the successful conduct of the elections on March 5, stating, “India has always supported peace, progress, and stability in Nepal. In line with this commitment, we provided necessary logistical support for these elections at the request of the Nepalese government.”
The Ministry expressed hope to work with Nepal’s new government to strengthen the multifaceted ties between the two nations and congratulated the government and the people of Nepal.
As election results began to take shape, former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Jayant Prasad, expressed, “My only hope and desire, to some extent, is that the elections provide a clear mandate for good governance in Nepal.”
In recent years, China’s influence in Nepal has grown, raising concerns for India in certain areas. While the National Independent Party (RSP) is likely to form the next government in Nepal, expecting immediate significant changes in diplomatic equations is deemed impractical.
Unlike former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s “pro-China” stance, the party’s omission of a major project in the eastern district of Jhapa, bordering India, has been seen as a potential shift in policy.
The proposed Damak Industrial Park in Jhapa was part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which India has previously expressed concerns about due to its proximity to the strategically sensitive Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken Neck.”
However, the RSP’s manifesto also promises to review the exchange rate with India. Since 1993, the exchange rate has been fixed at 160 Nepalese rupees for 100 Indian rupees, regardless of global economic conditions.
Before the elections, the party announced it would consider changes to the currency exchange rate upon coming to power. The RSP stated, “The exchange rate with the Indian rupee has been stable for three decades, so we will study and review this arrangement with the involvement of internationally recognized scholars.”
While previous governments have often been viewed through the lens of “pro-India” or “pro-China” policies, RSP’s potential Prime Ministerial candidate, Balendra Shah, is seen as a strong nationalist. Like many leaders of his generation, he advocates maintaining equal distance from both neighboring powers and refraining from taking sides in any conflict.
During the election campaign, he attracted voters with the slogan “Nepal First.” However, he has also made statements on social media that are typically avoided by politicians or diplomats. His supporters believe he will work solely for Nepal’s interests.
Shah, who transitioned from an engineer-rapper to a politician, even displayed a map of “Greater Nepal” in his mayoral office, which included parts of India. This was interpreted as a symbolic response to the “Akhand Bharat” mural in the new parliament building.
At one point, he demanded a ban on Indian films when a movie referred to Goddess Sita as “Daughter of India.” Shah opposed this, stating that according to traditions, her birthplace is considered within Nepal’s borders or in the adjacent region of Bihar.
When he assumes office, it will mark the first time since the adoption of the constitution in 2015 that a single party will govern Nepal.
With employment and the economy as major issues, RSP leaders will emphasize a “Nepal First” policy. According to World Bank data, India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, accounting for $8.6 billion, or approximately 63% of imports, while China follows with $1.8 billion, or 13%.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 7 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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