Understanding the
background of Nepal
 |
- Nepal is a buffer country between India
and China. India has historically thought Nepal to be a pro-India
neighbor.
- Nepal shares land border with five Indian
states. India and Nepal
are not only linked due to the proximity of land, but it is the cultural
affinity that binds the two nations.
- The common linguistic and ethnic identities, Hindu
religious practices, similar festivals, affinity of food, resemblance of
dresses, and the overall way of thinking, all make inseparable ties
between India and Nepal.
- Added to this range of similarities and affinities, is
the presence of many prominent Nepali political leaders that have their
ancestors or relatives in India.
A little historical background between China - Nepal
Flash back of history will
take historians to dwell into the border conflicts that resulted in
Nepal-Tibet-China war (1789-1792) over territorial dispute. Further advancement
in time will give even grimmer picture of Nepal-Tibetan war of 1855 that was
concluded in 1856 with the Treaty of Thapathali with the special status of
China as a mediator. Thereafter, by the early 19th century, Nepal broke all
relations with China. Can such hostile relations shake the foundation of two
thousand year old ties between India and Nepal? Not really, unless we see the
developments of Nepal-China relations in the present times and reassess the
grounds on which the current relations are established.
Nepal and China resumed
diplomatic relations in the mid 1950s. The basis of signing the Treaty of Peace
and Friendship in 1960 was Nepal’s recognition of Tibet as a part of China and
a resolution to the long-standing border problem. Thereafter, China has
constantly spread its sphere of influence on the Himalayan Kingdom by expanding
greater economic linkages and extending substantial military assistance to
Nepal.
In the 1970s, when King Birendra of Nepal proposed Nepal as a “zone of
peace” between India and China, India did not show keen interest, while China
was quite supportive. These and many such issues created a rift in Nepal-India
ties; while at the same time China has been pro-active to support and aid
Nepal.
Current Scenario ?
Although India was the largest investor in
Nepal in the year 2011-12 that is not the case now. During the past six months,
China has become the largest FDI invester in the country. China alleges that it
has taken this move to tackle the increasing influence of the US in the
Himalayan kingdom.
However, the reality seems to be quite different. After the signing of the Nepal-China Friendship Treaty, China has significantly increased its presence in the country. It has opened Chinese language learning centres, China-Nepal friendship associations have been started and infrastructure such as mobile towers have been set up. These activities lead to an increased inter-mingling between the Chinese and the Nepalese civilians.
Why should Chinese
presence in Nepal concern India ?
1 ) Securing China’s interest in
Tibet-after China occupied there were a large number of Tibetans taking refuge
in Nepal. By aligning Nepal with it, Chinese have succeeded in a change in
Nepalese policy towards Tibetans fleeing from Tibet and convinced Nepal to take
strong action against anti-Chinese activities in Nepal.
2) Possibilities are that China might be
undertaking such massive investments in the Nepalese side bordering India to
monitor the movements of the Indo-Tibetan refugees, intelligence collection as
the border is open or aiding the Maoists in their war against the Indian
establishment.
3) Ending Nepal’s overdependence on India by providing economic ,military ,technological and education cooperation to Nepal would weaken India’s hold on Nepal. This would erode India’s long term influence and balance India’s growing power in south Asia.
4) China has also pushed forward its strategic interests through infrastructural projects and FDI in Nepal. An enhanced Chinese presence in Nepal will mean increased vulnerability of our northern states from Himachal to West Bengal.
5) The point to be considered here is that
all these activities are being done very close to the Indian border with Nepal,
precisely near the states of UP and Bihar. The internal security (Maoism) and border
security will be at risk. Illegal drugs and arms smuggling might be eased via
China’s presence.
Moral of the Story :-
This influence till now is at infant stage but
once there is victory of Communist party of Nepal [Maoists] in the future
elections this influence will mature. This rise of Nepal will be harsh for
India, for example our long term investments in hydro power may be cancelled
and given to China as has been seen in Maldives.
All these factors and the recent acts of
Chinese territorial aggression in J&K and Arunachal Pradesh should
definitely be a cause of concern for India. It should effectively start taking
steps to curb these activities before its too late.
