India-Nepal relations

Why in news?

Amidst Nepal’s political chaos, Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister visited New Delhi for the 6^th meeting of India-Nepal Joint Commission.

What was discussed in the meeting?

It was more focused on confidence-building measures- exchange of remarks on progress made since last meeting, how to take forward several bilateral initiatives.
They discussed about the expanding the Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum pipeline to Chitwan & establishing new pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal.
They discussed about the operating procedures for commencing the upgraded 1^st passenger railway line between India & Nepal from Jaynagar to Kurtha via Janakpur.
Other cross-border rail connectivity projects, including Raxaul-Kathmandu broad gauge railway line were also discussed.
Nepal expressed its support for India’s permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council.
It also emphasised on the need for facilitating cross-border movement of people & goods leading to sub-regional cooperation.
However Nepal’s demand to include the boundary issue in the Meeting was not supported by India.

How is India-Nepal relationship on the development front?

The recently inaugurated Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at Birgunj and Biratnagar helps in seamless movement of people and trade between two countries.
The construction of 3^rd ICP at Nepalgunj was already commenced & the new ICP at Bhairahwa will begin shortly.

Since Nepal relies on India’s seaports for trade and its goods are transported by road, ICP are expected to ease trade and transit.

India supported to develop 2 more cultural heritage projects in Nepal-Pashupatinath Riverfront Development & Bhandarkhal Garden Restoration in Patan Durbar.
This is significant at the time when China is exploring all avenues to disrupt Nepal’s natural choice in policy-making.
The joint hydropower projects, including the proposed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, will get positive momentum following this round of meeting.

How is Nepal’s democracy functioning?

There is growing disenchantment among the Nepali masses over the increased centralisation of power.
The failure of the Provincial System to address developmental issues, misuse of Presidential authority & unprecedented corruption calls for re-setting Nepal’s democracy.
Large sections of the people wish to restore the cultural Monarchy in place of Presidential system and to re-establish the certain traditional ways to governance.
In late December 2020, he dissolved the House of Representatives which was termed unconstitutional by the experts.
The country’s Supreme Court is hearing writ petitions against Mr. Oli & the Court has called for serious constitutional interpretation.

What is the way forward?

Democracy in Nepal is achieved but not ascribed & the people of Nepal deserve a better deal than what is offered by the present government.
Like many other democracies across the world, Nepal’s democracy has been affected with an extreme rise in majoritarian sentiments.
It cannot afford to enter in another round of political instability and the commanding authorities need to spearhead the India-Nepal bilateral relations.

Source: The Hindu