new Delhi . Bilateral relations between India and Nepal are returning to normal after a brief period of lethargy and misunderstandings. The relations between the two countries are showing signs of improvement. During his upcoming visit to India, Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is emphasizing on strengthening ties with India in the areas of trade, investment, connectivity and healthcare. But the key feature of the relationship will be the launch of an India-funded cross-border railway project.
Another railway line connecting an Indian city with Nepal’s capital Kathmandu is likely to be announced. The move assumes great significance for bilateral ties in the wake of Nepal’s rejection of China’s offer to join the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
New Delhi is wary of Chinese incursions into Nepal, which are threatening its security and leadership position in the Indian subcontinent. The two countries signed and exchanged nine agreements during the recent visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Nepal. But none of them belonged to the BRI.
This is a major disappointment for China, as the BRI was the top priority for Wang Yi’s visit. Nepal especially expressed concern over harsh conditions such as reserved contracts for Chinese firms and higher interest rates for BRI loans.
Sri Lanka is a classic example for Nepal of how failure to repay loans and comply with BRI terms can lead to financial crisis and even loss of sovereignty. On the other hand, loans from India have come without any problems. The Indian side is also expected to bear the entire cost of the new railway line.
India and Nepal share close ties that are characterized by centuries-old historical and cultural ties. India has been the largest supplier of essential commodities to Nepal and a large number of Nepalese citizens live in India to earn a livelihood.
India has been the first responder even during natural calamities like earthquakes and has been ensuring all possible assistance to Nepal. India has donated 1 million COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal at a time when the country was hit by the pandemic and the number of new cases was increasing at an alarming rate.
India donated essential medical equipment and medicines, as well as ambulances and ventilators, to Nepal after the Himalayan country was hit by COVID-19. When the second wave of COVID-19 hit Nepal in mid-2021, only India came to its rescue. It was the only country to send liquid oxygen to Nepal despite huge domestic demand.
The help in the time of need earned India the goodwill of the Nepalese people. Thanking India for providing vaccines at critical times, the then Nepalese Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli had said, “Nepal appreciates this move of a neighbor friend (India).”
Ordinary Nepali people also thanked India and hoped for a strong friendship. Bhishma Raj Shivkoti said, “Great appreciation for this generosity from our southern neighbour.. It really reflects India’s ‘neighbourhood first’ policy. Now India has pledged to support it post COVID-19 recovery from Nepal. has promised.
India has helped in evacuating the stranded Nepalese amidst the Ukraine attack. At least six Nepalese nationals were brought by India from various Ukrainian cities as part of Operation Ganga. Deuba thanked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for “helping bring back Nepali citizens”.
In 2021, India had also evacuated many Nepalese people from Afghanistan. Amidst the fog of misunderstanding, Nepal realized that India was its true trusted friend. Nepal has been making constant efforts to improve relations with India for the last one year. It has gained momentum after Deuba became prime minister in July 2021.
During his visit to India in November, Nepal’s Army Chief General Prabhuram Sharma was conferred with the honorary ‘General of the Indian Army’ title by Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.
Now Deuba’s visit will include a visit to Varanasi – a holy Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage city and parliamentary constituency represented by Indian Prime Minister Modi. Varanasi is the common point of religious connection between the Hindu and Buddhist communities of the two countries. Deuba’s visit will strengthen the ties between the political leadership as well as strengthen the cultural bond between the peoples of the two countries.
“The upcoming visit will provide an opportunity for both sides to review this comprehensive cooperative partnership and take it forward for the benefit of both peoples,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
—AnyTV News
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