You've Got A Friend: Nepal-India relation

Nepal's Maoist leader Prachanda, who is likely to be its new prime minister, has called for the scrapping of the India-Nepal peace and friendship treaty as well as a review of other pacts and agreements between the two countries. Sections of political opinion in Nepal view the India-Nepal friendship treaty as unequal, because it promotes a privileged security relationship between the two countries. But the various bilateral agreements also confer generous benefits on Nepal, the likes of which India grants to no other country. Treaties between the two countries allow Nepalis to freely travel, live, work and buy property in India, in effect providing Nepalis in India the same economic and educational opportunities as Indian citizens. In addition, Nepali goods enjoy duty- and quota-free access to the Indian market, subject to a few minimal restrictions. Any unpicking of the friendship treaty and other pacts will lead to a renegotiation of these benefits, which is something Nepal's Maoists must consider carefully. Given the Chinese inspiration of the Maoist ideology that drives Prachanda and his men, as well as China's desire to extend its footprint in South Asia, Nepal's new leaders may feel tempted to loosen ties with India and look to China instead for support. That, however, is a game that Nepal's royals have played before not to much avail. The ministry of external affairs must convince the Maoists that it is India which is Nepal's gateway to the world. Not only is India Nepal's largest trading partner, but the international community, which currently provides much of Nepal's development budget, looks to India for direction on Nepal. All of this cannot be replaced with Chinese aid. Moreover, the Nepalis have only to look north to Tibet to convince themselves that Indian influence may be relatively benign compared to an overwhelming Chinese influence. Maoist leaders themselves have much to thank Indian democracy for. Not only did many of them shelter in India at the height of the insurgency, India assisted in the constituent assembly elections in Nepal which eventually brought them to power. If the majority of Nepali opinion is in favour of revising the friendship treaty, New Delhi must go along with this sentiment while making sure its interests are protected in any revisions. New Delhi will need to maintain its contacts with all sections of Nepali opinion while keeping up a vigil on the India-Nepal border. But, the new power wielders in Nepal should also look closely at the Indian relationship and refrain from altering it too far for comfort. (TOI)