Indo-Nepal Relations: Nepal's Perceptions and Problems

30 Aug, 2000    ·   412

Anju Susan looks into how Nepal views its relations India and the prospects of better ties between the two countries
The Nepalese Prime Minister, Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala’s visit was the first one by a Nepali Prime Minister in the last four years. This was not a sudden development.  Both India and Nepal wanted to repair their relationship, after the hijacking incident. Nepali Foreign Minister Chandra Bastola visited India , in May which was followed by Mr. Brajesh Mishra visiting Nepal in June. How does Nepal view India and what are the various issues in dispute between them.

 

 

1950 Treaty

 

 

The 1950 Treaty of Friendship deals with all aspects of Indo-Nepal relations.  The Nepalis feel this treaty was imposed on them in 1950, when Nepal was not a democracy, and India acted as the colonial successor of the British Government. During the recent visit, the two Prime Ministers asked their foreign secretaries to look into this matter and submit their proposals within six months.  Nothing significant was achieved however, except that both Prime Ministers agreed that “the institutional mechanisms for dialogue and interaction in existence over the past 50 year be reviewed and rationalised.”

 

 

Border Issue

 

 

Systematisation of the approximately 1800 km Indo-Nepal open border adjoining Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal is of great concern to both countries. For Nepal , trafficking in drugs and terrorist activities top the agenda, whereas India is concerned with the trafficking in drugs and women, smuggling, illegal trade and large-scale immigration from Nepal .  The Nepalis living in border districts also complain about migration from Bihar and U.P. into Nepal besides criminal elements from India taking refugee and creating problems inside Nepal . The recent agreements between the home secretaries of Nepal and India makes it obligatory for citizens of both countries to carry travel documents such as passport when flying to each other’s territory, but this does not include movement by land. Technical teams from both countries were formed in 1981 to undertake scientific demarcation of the border, which is to be completed by 2002.

 

 

An issue normally neglected in India is the Nepal sensitivities regarding border regulation. They feel it would check illegal activities and safeguard their nationality. According to a survey, more than half the population favours a regulated border to control illegal activities and create employment opportunities within Nepal .  The hill and Terai residents favour introduction of passports between the two countries, while some favoured the introduction and checking of legal documents at all entry points. The rest favoured a permit system for employment seekers and identification cards for border residents.

 

 

Kalapani

 

 

Kalapani is a 35 square kilometer tract on the banks of the Kali river. Ever since the 1962 India-China war the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) maintain this area, which Nepal claims. A Joint Technical Boundary Committee (JILBC) to adjudicate this issue has been operating for the last eighteen years, but has failed to reach any conclusion. In the post 1990 period, following the restoration of democracy, political parties in Nepal have been exploiting this issue for narrow political ends. India finds this area strategically important and believes this issue has been exaggerated, hence it will not give up its claims. During the visit, both Prime Ministers agreed to demarcate the boundary by 2001-2002. 

 

 

The Laxmanpur Barrage Issue

 

 

Nepal feels that India , without any consultations had built the Laxmanpur Barrage on the river Rapti, which now results in floods and inundation in the Nepali region.  Committees were formed to look into the matter but could not reach an agreement as both sides stuck to their earlier position.  Around 33 villages in 5 Village Development Committees with a population of 15,174 locals are being affected by floods so the Nepalis are outraged by the Indian attitude 

 

 

Prospects for better ties

 

 

Nepal feels that both countries must co-operate, in the following areas: 

 

 

Firstly, on tourism. Since Indian tourists form one third of the visitors, Nepal wants further cooperation with India allowing private airlines to schedule flights, besides permitting Nepali buses to operate between the two countries.

 

 

Secondly, on the economic front, Indian investments now amount to 36% of the total foreign direct investment in Nepal ; there are around 170 approved joint ventures in Nepal in almost all sectors. Nepal expects further Indian investment.

 

 

Thirdly, on tapping Nepal ’s water resources; a capacity to generate 83,000 megawatts of electricity exists.  Since the power deficit in northern India is around 9,500 megawatts which is expected to rise to 20,000 mw by 2010, Nepal wants India ’s help in tapping this potential, which would benefit both countries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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