The connection between Nepal and India is as ancient as Ramayan. It is the socio-cultural rather than the political factor that determines the long-term relations between the two countries. Politically also, these two countries are considered to have good ties.
Recently, the relationship between the two countries got a hit. Nepal recently approved a new political map, showing its claim over Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura territories, raising a matter of concern for India. The region which Nepal claims lie in Uttarakhand state in India.
The question arises, why suddenly Nepal brought this dispute?
The Past:
Following the unification of Nepal in the early 19th century, Nepal attempted to enlarge its domains. Nepal conquered much of the state of Assam, in the east, and few Uttarakhand regions, in the west. The issue brought Nepal and the British, who were ruling India from Northern Plains from Delhi to Calcutta, in conflict. A series of campaigns ran, termed as Anglo-Nepalese war. And after much bloodshed and brutality in these conflicts, a Treaty of Sugauli was signed.
The treaty established the borders of Nepal. British used two rivers to define Nepal boundaries in the east and west, Mechi and Mahakali.
The problem today has begun is on the western border of Nepal.
Since the British raj, India has occupied the so-called disputed territory for trade purposes. Nepal did not have any problem or raised an issue on this acquaintance. Those who favor Nepal justify this as because Nepal was under a monarch rule till the late 20th century, their voices did not matter then. But what took Nepal these many years, after overthrowing the monarchy, remains a counterpoint.
Interestingly, India had signed one treaty with China in 1954, declaring Lipulekh as an Indian-Gateway. Nepal did not protest.
However in 2015, India-China signed another agreement of trade, over the Lipulekha pass. This time Nepal protested against the move and claimed her as a stakeholder of the Kalapani area (disputed area).
Recent Developments-
Recently, another activity that led to further escalation of this issue was India's road construction in the region. India, to make travel time less for her Mansarover yatrees, constructed a road in this region. India justified this step by claiming that all the activities were done within her geographical borders. So, they did not owe any obligation to Nepal.
The Chinese angle-
Whereas, the Indian Army is suspicious of China's hand in this entire issue. The argument which further strengthens this suspicion is Nepal's communist party government. K.P Oli, who is running a government in Nepal, is a member of the Nepal Communist Party. Although, China has made clear about any interventions, and terms this a bilateral dispute.
The Foreign Secretaries of India and Nepal are all set to meet amid a simmering border row.
When the top priority on the international agenda at the moment must be to combat the corona virus and find a cure for it. Regrettably, this is not happening. Regional disputes continue to simmer. There is no doubt the strong ties between these two nations will solve the issue diplomatically, at best.
Nepal must be aware of Malaysia's case, that how India unstabilized the Malaysian government who criticized the government on the Kashmir and Citizen-ship Amendment Act Bill.
India and Nepal must try their levels best to preserve the ties and work together for development. If situations escalate, both the countries will suffer, Nepal will suffer more. As this will affect porous and lenient borders as well as millions of Nepali people working in India.
I hope for the better future of the two countries! Jai Hind!!
Well that's it from me. Stay safe !
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