Rebuilding trust

Rebuilding trust

PM’s Nepal visit showcases special ties, but New Delhi must fulfil promises.

In a sturdy charm offensive, Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his state visit to Nepal last week to highlight deep people to people ties between the two countries. After a visit to Janakpur’s temple dedicated to Goddess Sita he continued with the Ramayana theme by flagging off a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya, linking two of the most significant places in Hindu mythology. The message was clear – India and Nepal are irrevocably tied through faith and culture but need to improve modern connectivity.

The religious diplomacy was also directed at the current Leftist Nepali leadership and their supporters in China. Modi demonstrated that the bond between Indian and Nepali people transcends government to government relations and is something that China simply can’t replace. Add to this the open border between the two countries and the fact that Nepali citizens are free to work and stay in India. Indeed, the reality of approximately 50,000 Nepali citizens serving in the Indian armed forces and paramilitary services should leave no one in doubt that the two countries share a special relationship.

Politically, Modi’s visit reaffirmed that bilateral ties are back on even keel with the bitterness of the 2015-16 Madhesi blockade behind us. Prime Minister KP Oli too has belied apprehensions that he would take a decisive pro-China turn. And as mentioned in their latest joint statement, the two sides will now focus on boosting connectivity – air, land and waterways – and fast track the plethora of bilateral projects hanging fire. In this regard, Modi and Oli jointly laid the foundation stone for the 900 MW Arun III hydroelectric project. But more needs to be done to establish India as Nepal’s development partner for the 21st century.

The reality is India became complacent about its special ties with Nepal and it also has a poor track record of project completion there. China has used this opportunity to market itself as an attractive alternative, even as Nepal is trying to diversify its trade and transit. Trying to force Kathmandu to eschew Beijing will attract charges of subverting Nepali sovereignty. Instead, India should deliver on its promises. Facilitating the exchange of high-value demonetised Indian currency in Nepal would be a good start. The future of this partnership rests on the Indian efficacy in catalysing Nepal’s development.