Even before the Great Earthquake there were growing concerns about increased foreign meddling in Nepal. As the constitutional crisis deepened, and the political transition dragged on, Nepal, it was feared, was fast turning into a 'playground' for big powers like India, China and the US. In the last few years India and China in particular have looked to expand their influence in Nepal as they competed to outdo one another in terms of bilateral aid and investment in the small country precariously sandwiched between the two growing powers. The US, fearful of losing its clout in South Asia, has also greatly expanded its presence in Nepal, a useful outpost to closely monitor the rise of India and China. The Europeans, fearful of being left behind, are flexing their muscles too—even if it means sometimes pursuing overtly political goals. After the devastation wrought by the Great Earthquake, these powers will get even more opportunities to establish a firm foothold here.This is not to suggest that we should suspect every gesture of foreign goodwill. In a world increasingly prone to catastrophic events, both manmade and natural, it is a moral duty of every member of the international community to come to the help of another country that finds itself in difficulty. The outpouring of international support in the first few weeks was indeed a rare source of consolation for the panic-stricken Nepalis. Moreover, the foreign security personnel, rescue workers, doctors and other emergency responders played a crucial role—aiding Nepali emergency workers every step of the way—in the immediate aftermath of the April 25 earthquake. Foreign aid will also be vital to get Nepal back on its feet in the months and years ahead. But we should be careful. Foreigners should always be welcomed to help with relief and reconstruction efforts. But all such initiatives, at all times, should be led by Nepali actors. The country's vital interests could otherwise be badly compromised.
Nepal must continue to insist that all international help, particularly hard cash, be channeled through proper government channels. If transparency is the concern, reputed international auditors can be hired to keep track of the money trail. The international community can also press the government to expedite reconstruction efforts by cutting the reams of red-tape that characterize our bureaucracy. This assured, they should let Nepali actors handle the process thereon in. Our state actors must be firm on this and we should clearly communicate our concerns to the international community. For we have already witnessed some troubling signs: China has expressed its reservations about American choppers involved in humanitarian works in Nepal flying close to its borders; there have been reports of foreign rescue workers distributing Bibles; Indian media has tried to play up India's post-earthquake help while belittling 'inadequate' efforts of China. Whether we like it or not, there is always going to be political subplots to even the most well-meaning international help. This is why it is important to clearly spell out the role of international actors in what will be a long and arduous process of rebuilding the devastated country.
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