Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist January 2019 | Page 7

GLOBAL CENTRE STAGE N Nepal government for the fi rst time gave authority for Chinese NGOs to operate in Nepal by signing an agreement on July 29, 2018, for three years. China is expanding people to people relations between Nepalese, and many number of youth go to China for higher education every year under the Chinese government scholarship. epal is located in the strategic position between the emerging Asian giants: China and India, and Nepal has cordial people to people relations with both countries. The geo- strategic location of Nepal not only attracts the concern of Asian rivalry giants – India and China – but also the attention of the global powers. India has always played a crucial role in the political transformations of Nepal; to abolish Rana rule in 1951, restoring democracy and ending the Panchayat system in 1990. India also played an infl uential role in ending a decade-long Maoist insurgency in 2006 and also facilitated a twelve point understanding between the then Maoist and the Seven Parties Alliance. Thus, Nepalese are indebted for the direct and indirect support of India for the progressive changes in the country. Similarly, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nepal on August 3, 2014, with the last visit being of the then Indian Prime Minister IK Gujral in June 1997, breaking a long gap of 17 years. K.P Oli, Prime Minister of Nepal, was warmly welcomed on his fi rst international state visit to India on April 6, 2018. There was a reciprocal visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi to Nepal signalling improving relations with Nepal. India has pledged the most signifi cant aid amount worth the $1 billion for post-earthquake reconstruction. India is the fourth largest bilateral donor based on disbursement in the fi scal year 2016/17. In spite of all such cooperation, the relationship between the two countries still seems unstable. India blames Nepal for playing the “China Card,” and Nepal always perceives India’s treatment as a big brother. Also, India’s micro-management policy on the domestic aff airs of Nepal is still an issue of concern and criticism for India. The economic blockade of 2015 laid to dust all the initiation of Narendra Modi and his neighbourhood policy. Also, the economic embargo caused not only the government but also people to be more aff ectionate towards China. China, the primary counterpart of India in South Asia is radically penetrating the Himalayas in Nepal. Nepal government for the fi rst time gave authority for Chinese NGOs to operate in Nepal by signing an agreement on July 29, 2018, for three years. China is expanding people to people relations between Nepalese, and many number of youth go to China for higher education every year under the Chinese government scholarship. Chinese tourists to Nepal have now overtaken Indian tourists. Nepal government has provided a free visa to Chinese citizens and further hoping to increase the fl ow of Chinese tourists in Nepal. Nepal signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative on May 12, 2017, with China and it is believed to be the unusual step on developing closer ties with China. All these steps with China make it seem that Nepal is in tight knots with China, but we Nepalese should understand the fact that we need both neighbours and they are equally important for us. Thus, it is a challenge for a small and underdeveloped country like Nepal to maintain an equidistant and balanced relationship with Asian rivalry giants – India and China – but as we do not have any other options, we should be able to do it for the peaceful and prosperous future of Nepal. We should not forget historical, both political and economic collaboration with India and also shouldn’t neglect the potential infrastructure development and the economic opportunities from China. Most importantly, both the countries; India and China also should not put Nepal in a condition where she needs to choose between either one of them. . * The author is a former Research Associate at the India China Institute, The New School University, New York. Email: [email protected] Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 7 • Issue 1 • January 2019, Noida • 7