Sandwiched between the rich Gangetic plains of India to the south and the majestic Himalayan Mountain chain along its borders with China to the north, Nepal holds a special place in South Asia. This landlocked country has always struggled to use its own resources, natural beauty, and rich cultural legacy due to its landlockedness. Nonetheless, Nepal can become a land-linked hub of connectivity with a practical and forward-thinking approach, promoting peace and environmental preservation while promoting economic growth, stability, and global significance.
Railway connections for transformation
The promise of Nepal resides in its capacity to establish cross-border linkages between two Asian giants - China and India - that are emerging as the second and the fifth largest economies of the world. Opportunities for transformation can be projected by the proposed two railway projects: a) the 74-kilometer line which would connect Keyrong, China, and Kathmandu; and b) the 135-kilometer line which would connect Birgunj to Kathmandu. These railway projects will enable smooth trade, increase economic diversification, lessen reliance on remittances, and generate jobs for the nation's almost eight million working-age citizens, many of whom are dispersed throughout the world.
With improved connectivity, Nepal will also be able to change how it interacts with its neighbors. Nepal could assert itself as an equal partner rather than giving in to asymmetric agreements like massive loans under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) gravitated to fulfill China’s long-term goal of expanding markets for its products and creating China as a global market or the Koshi High Dam hydropower deal which is tilted strongly to favor India. With these proposed railway projects, Nepal would move away from its need for outside assistance and toward becoming a self-sufficient and significant economic force. Tiny West European Luxembourg has become one of the world’s richest countries from its banking system, primarily due to its strategic location and its capital safeguarding policies. Nepal can take advantage of its strategic location without weakening its sovereignty.
Infrastructure choices in a fragile terrain
Nepal needs to critically evaluate its infrastructure development options to ensure alignment with sustainability and national independence goals. While long-term projects like the Koshi High Dam may offer economic opportunities, they also carry significant risks. The first Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru once described large dams as "temples of resurgent India," in Nepal's seismically sensitive context, such structures could become "tombs of concrete."
The inter-continental push between the Eurasian and Indo-Australian plates results in frequent seismic activities, raising concerns about the environmental degradation and population displacement that large dams may cause. Although India has proposed the Koshi High Dam as a solution to the devastating floods in downstream territories while generating hydropower and irrigation and drinking water for wide regions of India, the potential for catastrophic failure poses severe risks to Nepal's environment and the safety concerns for downstream settlements in India. Nepal should explore alternative strategies that align with long-term sustainability and least repairable damage if in case something goes wrong. Investments in railroads and other trade-enabling infrastructure could provide substantial benefits, such as enhanced access to global markets, economic growth, and the preservation of national sovereignty, without exposing the country to the environmental and societal hazards associated with big projects such as large dams.
Is Landlockedness a Boon or a Curse for Nepal? Changing the Gra...
Nepal’s icy crown: Melting glory amid climate injustice
In addition to being emblems of national pride, Nepal's snow-capped mountains—including the famous Mount Everest—are also important ecological resources and worldwide treasures. However, Nepal is now at the center of a problem that it did not provoke due to the rapid pace of glacial melting brought on by climate change. Even while Nepal contributes very little to global emissions, it suffers greatly from the industrial activities of more developed countries that has a negative impact on its biodiversity, water security, and economy, which in turn is heavily dependent on tourism.The sustenance of biodiversity is essential to support Nepal’s ecotourism.
Nepal’s role as a global peace advocate
Nepal has a distinct identity as the birthplace of Lord Buddha and the sacred location of Pashupatinath that transcends economic aspirations. These representations of spirituality and peace strengthen Nepal's capacity to act as a global voice for peace and understanding. Nepal's dedication to international stability is further demonstrated by its substantial contributions to UN peacekeeping operations. With more than 6,110 soldiers having participated in previous operations, Nepal has established a solid reputation as a peace advocate.
Nepal can promote international collaboration and communication by coordinating its diplomatic efforts with its rich cultural and historical legacy. For example, holding international conferences on sustainability and peace might raise its profile as a cross-cultural and cross-national bridge.
Harnessing regional and regional partnerships
Nepal has a unique opportunity to bridge South and East Asia due to its geographic location. However, active involvement in regional and international venues is necessary to realize this potential. Nepal can lead efforts to solve common issues like disaster relief, trade facilitation, and climate change as the chair of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Despite the difficulties caused by tensions between India and Pakistan, if Nepal can revive SAARC’s role, Nepal can establish itself as one of the regional leaders.
At the same time, Nepal must improve its relations with international institutions like the World Bank and the United Nations. Nepal's influence will grow, and vital investments will be drawn in if it aligns with global programs centered on climate resilience and sustainable development. By promoting regional trade, the railway linkages would make a strong case for Nepal's strategic significance in discussions about sustainability and economic growth on a global scale.
Building stability: A path to unity and global trust
To fulfill its aspirations, Nepal needs to resolve political instability and fragmentation. For consistent policymaking and reliable foreign diplomacy, a stable administration led by a common national vision must be established. Establishing governments without following common parliamentary practice in multi-party systems erodes international trust. It also contributes to the loss of confidence among investors and development partners. As two major political parties have jumped to hold power, to justify such composition to form a government, a tangible progress—like constitutional amendments—is necessary.
Balancing giants, preserving sovereignty
Nepal must carefully strike a balance to navigate the conflicting interests of China and India. Its sovereignty will be protected by an independent foreign policy based on national goals, whereas over-reliance on either neighbor could compromise its autonomy. Nepal may make sure that its interests are at the forefront of all interactions by taking a non-aligned position and encouraging helpful collaboration.
Nepal can draw valuable lessons from international diplomacy, such as the strategic balancing act between the opposing powers of the United States and China, exemplified by Henry Kissinger and Richard Nixon. By adopting similar strategic approaches, Nepal can effectively position itself between two opposing powers and influence regional dynamics by leveraging its strategic location and maintaining open lines of communication.
Conclusion
Nepal is at a turning point in its history, with both enormous opportunities and difficulties influencing its course. Nepal can reshape its economy by selecting projects that support its sovereignty and sustainability objectives and investing in transformative infrastructure, such as the Birgunj-Kathmandu and Keyrong-Kathmandu railway lines. Nepal can make its voice heard globally as a champion of peace, sustainability, and regional cooperation, making sure that its contributions to the world—whether they be through its cultural heritage, natural beauty, or peacekeeping efforts—are acknowledged and encouraged. Nepal can become a land-linked bridge of peace and prosperity if it has the courage, vision, unity, and strategic foresight to do so. In addition to offering the possibility of economic empowerment, this course enhances Nepal's standing as a ray of hope and peace in a globalized world.
The author is Professor of Geography at the University of Central Missouri, USA. He can be reached at bhattarai@ucmo.edu
