The symbiotic relationship that exists between India, Nepal and China can neither be belittled nor neglected or disturbed if regional stability in South Asia is to be maintained. Nepal’s national interests are integrally linked to the prospect of lasting peace and stability in South Asia. For this reason alone Nepal must always be vigilant, proactive where necessary, and try to maintain the delicate balance in its relations with the two emerging regional powers of Asia. For Nepal there is no alternative to including its next-door neighbors as common partners in its development efforts while keeping the door open for other countries interested in the region’s peace and stability. For the world-at-large, too, it will have to pay dearly if any attempt, whatsoever, were made to tilt the balance for the benefit of any one country.
Nepal is linked by its sacred soil with India and China, as well as by rivers flowing from China through Nepal to India. These factors, more than anything else, establish the ground for unbreakable relationship among the three. This cordial relationship has to continue for the benefit of the vast South Asian region as well as China. To talk only of the interest of a particular country is unrealistic, impractical and short-sighted. The underlying causes of the 1962 war between India and China should always be kept in mind.
PHOTO: REUTERS
Nepal, for her part, has been making modest efforts within her means to consolidate and strengthen the compact that exists between the unequal partners of Asia. Fully realizing the fact that Nepal’s rich natural resources and its development not only benefits the country, but also others countries in the region, King Birendra had proposed the development of Nepali hydropower for the benefit of the South Asian region. The proposal that was floated at the tenth Colombo Plan Consultative Conference held in Kathmandu in 1978 was accepted, and even appreciated by US President Jimmy Carter at the time.
Any country looking to secure a bright future has to first mind its business and that is where its national interests come into play. In this connection Nepal has to face a tough challenge of not only safeguarding its national interest but also creating a stable and peaceful situation favorable for the all-round development of the country, in close cooperation with her fast-developing neighbors in India and China. It also has to collaborate with the outside world that is keen to invest in productive sectors like hydropower and in environmental protection, which is now an issue of global concern.
Nepal-India relations have been extensive and close in domains of religion, culture, trade and commerce. Nepal has always tried to accommodate India’s wishes and demands, even at a cost to its national interest, for the maintenance of neighborly relations. The river projects like Koshi, Gandaki and Mahakali (last one has not been started) have been massively beneficial to India, but only marginally beneficial for Nepal. Though India has been dominant in its dealings with Nepal because of its strength, size and position, causing many misgivings in Nepal, Nepali leaders have patiently absorbed such embarrassments with the hope and confidence that India will one day be cognizant of the desired state of relations between two independent and sovereign nations. Such a state of affairs where one side has to keep conceding is neither desirable nor beneficial for harmonious bilateral relations.
In the context of striking a balance between its two giant neighbors, Nepal has not only been trying to strengthen its relations with China but also to involve it in economic development. It will not be out of place to mention here the various initiatives taken by Nepal to bring China closer. King Mahendra’s contribution to China-Nepal relations has already been inscribed in golden letters. Kathmandu-Kodari highway (later named Arniko highway) and ‘1960 border agreement’ with that country are sterling examples of Nepal’s farsighted thinking in this direction. Apart from road construction, several industrial projects were set up with a view to making Nepali economy self-reliant and sustainable. It is sad to reflect that in the pretext of privatization these important projects were thrown away like rotten eggs and decimated mercilessly by those in power after the resurrection of multiparty democratic system in the country. China-Nepal relations have entered a new era of understanding, cooperation and expansion.
However, things have not worked a way one would have liked in the conduct of tripartite relations among Nepal, India and China. A single country’s interest has overshadowed the legitimate rights and interests of an independent and sovereign country, souring the excellent tripartite relations from time to time. Can Nepal ever forget India’s forceful imposition of blockade of essential commodities to Nepal, citing an invalid clause of the outdated and unequal 1950 treaty, and inflicting so much pain and suffering on the common people? Nepal also watched in pain and disbelief the stalwart leaders of developed countries who closed their eyes during this sad episode. These leaders have always been taking credit for championing the cause of international law, justice and equality of nations but have kept quiet in the international arena for fear of antagonizing a country directly involved in this episode.
How long Nepalis will have to bear the brunt of national humiliation, instability and insecurity, nobody can say. Right now Nepal faces a dearth of courageous political leaders who can display statesmanship, not only to handle the fast-deteriorating situation in the country with a sense of responsibility and dedication, but also to convince and persuade outside leaders to listen to Nepal’s legitimate and genuine demands for freedom, independence and development. This task that has to be carried out without creating any further obstacles or complications through the end of mutual recrimination, distrust and acrimony, although such a development is unlikely as we speak.
National interests can never be ignored, let alone abandoned, as long as Nepali people keep their presence intact nationally and internationally. Refreshing, elaborating, interfacing, advancing and adjusting national interests is crucial for the country’s very existence. Any step to undermine and hurt the values and contents of national interests by those in power deserves not only condemnation but also exclusion of those actors from independent and proud Nepali society.
This is the first of a two-part article. The second part will be published coming Sunday.
The author is former prime minister of Nepal
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