The relations between Nepal and India have been close, cordial and multidimensional since time immemorial. Our relations have been nurtured by history, cultural ethos, traditions and customs; unique in their nature and scope rarely found in the world. In a similar vein, relations at the people-to-people level have evolved through centuries, sharing common aspirations for economic progress, peace and prosperity. At the same time, I feel there is much more potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation. I see vast opportunities before us. We should build upon the age-old cordial relations between two countries and close friendship between our peoples, focusing more on economic and commercial cooperation. The realization of this potential for mutual benefit constitutes our vision for Nepal-India relations in the next decade.
India is a country of great civilization. Being the largest democracy in the world, India and its people have paved the path of freedom, democracy and independence through their relentless struggle against British colonialism and support for such struggles in other countries. The freedom struggles led by Indian leaders like Mahatma Gandhi had a cascading effect in places under British colonialism. It would not be out of place to say that India has been an inspiration for struggles against domination and injustice around the world.
Nepal is at the crossroads of great transformation in its socio-political set-up through massive political overhaul after more than 200 years of its existence as a nation state. As you all are aware, Nepal embarked upon the new path of democratic ideals after the conclusion of the 12-Point Agreement among major political forces including the then Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist). The historic 12-Point Agreement, concluded in New Delhi itself, has been marked as a milestone in the annals of political development of Nepal that helped end 240 years of feudal autocratic rule and usher in a republican setup of governance. Through the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, we paved the way for peaceful transition in Nepal. In this context, we, in Nepal, highly value friendship, cooperation and understanding shown by India, Indian leaders and its people to the aspirations of the Nepali people.
Nepal is still in a state of fundamental political and economic transition. Nepal’s transitional phase has many dimensions: conclusion of the peace process, coming up with a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly and setting the agenda and creating environment for economic prosperity. The political process that followed the CPA has been instrumental in creating conducive environment for the protection and promotion of democracy in the country. The Maoist army has been integrated into the national army and the government is going to establish Truth and Reconciliation Commission and Disappearance Commission to address other issues of the peace process with the consent of the major political players.
We would like to end this transitional phase at the earliest through fresh elections to the second Constituent Assembly which is expected to be held in the near future. I am confident that new elections would help bring political stability in Nepal and strengthen the hope and aspirations of the people for republicanism, democracy, federalism and peace. All major political parties have agreed to new election for the Constituent Assembly to draft a new constitution for Nepal by incorporating people’s wishes. For this purpose, my party gave up its ruling mandate and agreed to form an election government under the Chairmanship of the Chief Justice, ensuring that the upcoming elections would be held in a free, fair and acceptable manner.
Having briefly touched upon the present political scenario, I would like to draw your attention to certain aspects of economic development of Nepal. Nepal’s two close neighbors—India and China—have been marching towards modernization and economic advancement, unparalleled to any country in the world. Both the countries have had awe-inspiring economic achievements. Nepal, a tiny Himalayan country, situated between two economic giants, cannot and should not remain out of touch of the ongoing development spree in the vicinity. Having two rapidly growing economies in the neighborhood, it would be rather unfortunate for Nepal to remain under-developed, poor and backward. I strongly believe that an economically sound and developed Nepal is not only in the interest of Nepal and Nepali people, but also the larger interest of India and China. It is obvious that Nepal’s economic development would herald political stability in the country which, in the long run, would contribute to addressing the security concerns of India and China. A prosperous and developed Nepal is the best way to ensure security, peace and stability in the region.
Nepal-India relations have been based on the principle of peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, and understanding of each other’s aspirations and interests. In the context of the 21st century and in view of a changed global scenario, I believe that Nepal and India should give a new impetus to their bilateral relations and redefine their relations by collectively summing up past experience. The goal is to further consolidate the whole gamut of bilateral relations in order to uphold the aspirations and interests of both countries. I would like to see Nepal-India relations develop on the basis of true friendship, cordiality and mutual cooperation. Nepal is very much aware of India’s security concerns and it adopts a firm policy of not allowing any activity against its friendly neighbors on its soil.
India is the largest development partner of Nepal. We applaud India’s continued interest in Nepal’s development projects. I would like to take this opportunity to appeal for more investment from India in Nepal on projects ranging from hydropower to manufacturing industries, infrastructure development to Information Technology, and from agriculture development to tourism promotion.
Many people question my rationale of trilateral economic cooperation in the development of Nepal, which will involve India and China. I would like to make it clear that in the changed global and regional context and ever growing economic relations between India and China, trilateral cooperation in various mutual projects in Nepal is very much possible. It is our vision for the future. Let me also clarify that by no means do I wish to undermine or replace our centuries-old bilateral relations. Rather, I believe that only by promoting bilateral cooperation between our neighbors can the basis for a trilateral cooperation be created. I am confident that Nepal’s economic development is possible through such cooperation from our friends. It would lay the foundation of prosperity of Nepal and Nepali people, which is not only in the best interest of Nepal but, equally, in the best interests of India and China. Traditionally, Nepal has played an important role in connecting India and China through its many trade routes and, at the same time, enjoyed peace and prosperity for its people.
My visit to India this time has been mostly concentrated on finding ways to further develop our bilateral relations in the 21st century.
Nepal-India relations should be seen as the best example of bilateral relations in the world. In the coming decade, I would like to see these relations further strengthened and consolidated to the mutual satisfaction of our two countries and people. I believe that the changed global dynamics and successful conclusion of transition in Nepal will create a conducive atmosphere for further development of our relations. Our efforts should be focused to that end.
Edited excerpts from the Maoist Chairman’s speech at a program organized by the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in New Delhi on April 29
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