KATHMANDU, Jan 7: Even as he is publicly stating that his next official foreign visit would be India, CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli has hinted at strained relations between Kathmandu and New Delhi in recent days.
Although he has not specifically mentioned India in most cases, Prime Minister Oli in his political report presented in the ongoing Central Committee meeting of the party has made no efforts to hide the ‘uneasy’ relations the two neighbors have been passing through at present. The UML CC meeting is expected to conclude by Wednesday.
In a clear reference to India, Oli stated that the UML believes no sovereign country should be compelled to act according to another's orders, directives or interests. "We emphasize the true exercise of sovereignty. Nepal is sensitive to the legitimate interests and concerns of other countries, including its neighbors. Similarly, Nepal expects its neighbors and all friendly countries to be sensitive, supportive and positive toward Nepal's national interests, its sensitivities, independent foreign policy and conduct of external relations," reads the 47-page long report.
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Chairman Oli has accused the former government led by CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal of surrendering to the lowest point before the pressure of power centers. Although he has not clearly mentioned who those power centers are, Chairman Oli is highly likely to have indicated the relations between India and then Prime Minister Dahal. PM Oli succeeded Dahal on July 15, 2024 after his party severed its alliance with the Maoist Center and forged a new alliance with the Nepali Congress (NC).
Although he has not specifically mentioned the border dispute between the two countries in western-most part of Nepal, Oli has clearly expressed dissatisfaction with India's reluctance to grant Nepal an additional air entry route, which is crucial for the full-scale operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport. "International airlines have begun flights from Bhairahawa airport. The installation of new satellite-based instruments has started to ensure sustainability. However, the Instrument Landing System installed there has not been implemented due to the lack of permission from India," he wrote in the political report.
The new system is referred to as Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR), in which sufficiently equipped aircraft with adequately trained pilots can land at the airport in lower visibility conditions.
Prime Minister Oli further argued that bilateral and multilateral partnerships have not progressed as expected due to India's failure to respect the sovereignty, sensitivities and legitimate concerns of its neighbors. The UML, he said, advocates for foreign relations to be conducted based on balance, non-alignment, credibility, sustainability and mutual trust and benefit.
However, Oli has commended the recent six-point agreement between India and China aimed at easing long-standing border tensions. “Nearly after four years, there have been negotiations between India and China to end the border tension and they have publicized a six-point agreement. The normalization of the relations between the two neighbors is in the best interests of Nepal,” states the report.
While critical to India, Oli has described the Framework for BRI Cooperation agreement reached with China during his recent visit to the northern neighbor as a historic achievement. "The recent official visit to China and the signing of BRI cooperation documents during that period are significant. These meetings and agreements have made a meaningful contribution to strengthening Nepal's neighborly relations," Oli stated in his political report.
PM Oli visited China from December 2 to 5, 2024. During the visit, 10 agreements and understandings were signed between Nepal and China, including the 'Framework for BRI Cooperation.' Prime Minister Oli has publicly stated that he plans to make a visit to India ‘soon’ after his visit to China. Diplomatic sources said preparations are underway to facilitate his visit to India by March.
