India pursues a policy that encourages democracy, pluralism, stability and socio-economic progress of Nepal. But of late, India-Nepal relation is being seen as Patron-client relationship due to economic and security reasons and due to ongoing political crisis in Nepal.
India’s Nepal Policy – Interventionist:
- India has supported Nepal’s polity since Independence but during the recent elections in Nepal India has been perceived as Pro-Madhesi and this has dampened the bilateral relations
- During the recent constitutional crisis, it has been observed by independent interlocutors that India is micro-meddling with Nepal’s polity.
Effects of Policy
- Though Indian intentions seems fair in advising to consensus-driven rather than a numbers-determined approach to finalise the Constitution it was ignored leading to political turmoil
- Nepal’s government seems to be perceiving India as a big brother who is trying to control their natural resources as well as using Nepal to counter China
- The high-handedness of India’s intervention and the rigid posturing of Nepal’s ruling parties equations of relations are turning to low point
- With the changed geopolitical situation and Geophysical sensitivity of Nepal, there is a need to evolve a doctrine of engagement.
- Constitutional amendments: Indian interlocutors pushing for amendments on demarcation of few of its provinces has been viewed as a narrow approach
- Cross border disputes: India was blamed for the disruption of goods during Madheshi agitation in order to achieve political mileage
Need for such policy
- India has been involved in the Nepal’s internal politics since decades, on the request of rulers.
- Second reason for India’s interest in Nepal is an open border and the concern that any instability in the Tarai will inevitably spill across.
Way forward
- Instead of going with interventionist policy with Nepal’s politics India needs to focus on more deliverables like linking Buddhist tourist spots, improving connectivity along the borders, strengthening trade, infrastructure development, disaster management.
- India’s effort should be to nudge both sides of the polarized debate through quiet and sustained diplomacy so as to find an amicable resolution.
Though China factor can be a deterrent there is a need to build mutual trust. At official & diplomatic level more straightforward approach that could prevent creating ambiguities that give rise to conspiracy theories.
