02 Jan Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to visit Nepal this week
This article covers ‘Daily Current Affairs’ and the topic details of ‘ Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar to visit Nepal this week.’ This topic is relevant in the “India and its neighborhood” section of the UPSC CSE exam.
GS 2 – India and its neighborhood
WHY IN THE NEWS?
Foreign Minister Mr. S. Jaishankar will visit Nepal this week and will hold a Joint Commission Meeting with his Nepalese counterpart. On the agenda there will be discussions on digital payments, air connectivity, an agreement on the terms of buying 10,000 MW of hydroelectric power from Nepal, and the launch of development projects funded by India.
History of India-Nepal relations
- There has been a long history of free movements of people across the borders. They also share strong bonds known as Roti-Beti ka Rishta due to marriages and familial relationships.
- Both nations share the same values of Hinduism and Buddhism.
- Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 is the bedrock of the special relations between India and Nepal. The treaty deals with the equal treatment of citizens of India and Nepal in the two nations regarding housing, property, commerce, and travel.
- In a number of multilateral forums, such as SAARC, BBIN, BIMSTEC, and the NAM, India and Nepal work together.
Importance of Nepal for India
- Nepal is an immediate neighbor hence acts as a natural security buffer between India and China.
- Nepal has launchpads of many terrorist groups like Taliban, LeT, Al-Qaida etc. which also deal Maoist groups in India and Nepal.
- More than 50 rivers flow from Nepal to India which feed the perennial river systems of India in terms of ecology and hydropower potential. Thus to control floods in India cooperation is needed.
- Since there is an open border system any unrest in Nepal will have a spillover effect on India.
Areas of Cooperation
In Defense :
(a) India is helping the Nepal Army in its modernisation.
(b)Recruitment from Nepal in the Indian Army. Approximately 30,000 Nepalese are serving in the Indian Army.
In water resources: In 2008 a three-tier bilateral mechanism was established to discuss the issues relating to cooperation in water resources.
In Energy : India and Nepal have signed Power Exchange Agreement since 1971 in order to fulfill the energy requirements in the border areas of the two countries by taking the benefit of each other’s transmission.
In Connectivity :
(a)India is looking to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo and providing additional access to sea for Nepal calling it linking Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) with Sagar (Indian ocean).
(b)Agreement has been signed for laying an electric rail track linking Kathmandu with Raxaul in India.
Issues in Relationship
Territorial disputes: There are various unsolved issues in some locations, including Kalapani, along the India-Nepal border. While India inherited these areas from British colonial control, but Nepal claims these parts as its own.
China factor: As India’s influence has waned in Nepal in recent years, China has intervened with loans, investments, and assistance. The Belt and Road Initiative, which is funded by China in Nepal, is a threat to Nepal’s ability to India’s interests.
Porous Border : Because of the porous and inadequately patrolled border between Nepal and India, terrorist groups can use it to smuggle guns, ammunition, trained fighters, and Fake currency notes.
Identity issues : Nepal politics is dominated by high caste elites which try to uphold its separate identity and while doing this they treat India as others.
Trust Deficit: Due to India’s sluggish project execution, mutual trust between the two countries has deteriorated. India is disliked by certain ethnic groups in Nepal because they believe that India interferes in Nepal’s affairs and undermines its sovereignty.
Issues with Peace and Friendship Treaty, 1950 : A certain section in Nepal perceive this treaty as unequal and imposed by India.
Way Forward
Dialogues for Territorial Disputes: Need to set the stage for a calm conversation in which all parties act sensitively while considering their interests.
Strengthening Economic Ties :
(a) Purchasing Hydropower from Nepal
(b) focusing on completing projects quickly. Taking Projects that benefit the local people in order to create a positive image of India.
Conclusion
India needs to stop looking at Nepal through a security prism only. Both the governments must reset the narratives and should modernize their policies.
Prelims Question
Q) Kali river divides which 2 parts of Himalayas?
(a) Kumaon himalayas and Nepal himalayas
(b) assam himalayas and nepal himalayas
(c) punjab himalayas and kashmir himalyas
(d) Kumaon himalyasa and punjab himalayas
Ans – A
Mains question
Q) Discuss the importance of INDIA-NEPAL challenges despite growing challenges.
I am a content developer and have done my Post Graduation in Political Science. I have given 2 UPSC mains, 1 IB ACIO interview and have cleared UGC NET JRF too.
No Comments