RECLAIMING INDIA-NEPAL RELATION AND ITS CHALLENGES

Abstract

The India-Nepal relationship has always worked on the principle of friendship and cooperation based on strong historical, cultural, and political ties.  The geographical proximity between the two has compelled both to adjust and pacify each other depending upon the power struggle rivalries among the external forces.  Since 1959, Nepal has replaced Tibet as a buffer state between India and China since then, Nepal has gained a prominent geopolitical importance in the Asian political rim. It has been trying to balance the power equation between India and China and adjusting its state policies to its national interests. On the other hand, India and China have been competing to invest in and influence Nepal like never before. However, the economic blockade imposed by India in 2015 resulted in a crisis in India-Nepal relations. Nepal opted for China as an alternative investor which China saw as an opportunity to grip its foot in the Himalayan region. Thus, the India-Nepal relationship has been facing a bittersweet partnership due to growing Chinese influence and favouritism in all spheres. This paper examines the India-Nepal relationship and analyses the probable courses to reexamine and strengthen bilateral relations between the two.