Nepali PM ‘Sher Bahadur Deuba’ visited India recently.
How did the visit pan out?
While India has denied having discussed Doklam, the joint statement issued said that ‘defence is an important aspect of Indo-Nepal ties.
Deuba also apparently failed to convince India that the embankments India “unilaterally” built on its side of the border causes floods in the Madhes area every year.
There has been strident criticism in Nepal for the joint statement and Deuba’s commitment to amend the constitution to address the grievances of the Madhesis.
Considering that India is seen as a nosy big-brother in Nepal, Deuba will need to dispel the suspicion about any “secret deal” having been made during his visit.
What are current issues of concern in Nepal?
Political instability has seen almost 10 governments fall in Nepal in as many years, with the current PM too facing similar issues.
Nepal’s political order harbours heightened anxieties about its new constitution in the backdrop of the upcoming November general elections that would formalize the republic.
A law and order problem can be detrimental to the timely conduct of the polls scheduled in November.
The republic is also vulnerable as some powerful groups vouch to restore Nepal’s monarchy and its Hindu status that the new constitution removed.
How is it from the Indian perspective?
The growing influence of China in Nepal is an irritant and India has been making continued efforts to remain Nepal’s primary ally.
India badly needs to tell Nepali people that the post-earthquake blockade was an aberration and unfortunate.
The hydro project ‘Arun Three’ that will be built with Indian aid is touted to start soon, which is avenue to build goodwill.
However, the increasing hostility or indifference of more and more political actors in Nepal towards India makes things look difficult.
