Statements such as these only expose Dahal´s desperation for power, and his naivety, even foolishness, when it comes to understanding the regional geopolitics. True, an understanding between China and India about stability and development in Nepal will provide a huge boost to our aspirations. But such a process should be initiated by Nepal, and it can be initiated only if we enjoy the confidence of both neighbors. We cannot have a bad relationship with one neighbor and ask the other to fix it for us. It is sheer foolishness to assume that we can afford to antagonize India (or China) and ask the other to initiate a tripartite dialogue at our behest.
That´s not how international politics works. And that´s not how we should be playing our cards. Nepal must address the legitimate interests of India and China and fully assure them that we will not try to play one off against the other. At the same time we must also tell them frankly that we refuse to be used by either of them against the other.
Much of the problem lies with us-- with our divided politics. Our politicians have looked south or north depending on what suits their interests. And Maoist Chairman Dahal has taken this to a new height. After his relationship with India fell apart, for reasons largely unknown, he has tried to play the China card to prop up his bargaining with the southern neighbor. He is still in negotiations with India, mainly through agencies, and seems desperate to make compromises.
As China and India become increasingly assertive about their interests in the region and in Nepal, the only way we can defend our interests and get a fair deal from these two giants is by keeping our house in order. As long as we remain a house divided with some of us willing to bat for India and others for China, our neighbors are only going to feel more nervous about their relationship with us, and assert themselves even more. In the end, we will be the real losers. United we stand a chance of defending our sovereignty and even reaping benefits from the economic resurgence of India and China. Divided as we are today, we will be doomed.
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