Why in news?
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.
Source: Indian Express
