This refers to the news, Nepal’s New P M Sher Deuba wins vote of confidence.( The Hitavada dated – 19th July) The outgoing Nepali Prime minister K.P. Oli Sharma played all sorts tricks under his belt to stay in power. He even tried to subvert the constitution of that country by his autocratic ways of functioning. Ultimately Supreme Court of that country had to put its foot down and show him the door. In this power game Nepali President Bindya Devi Bhadari played a dubious role of aiding Oli, presumably at the behest of China.
Chinese ambassador in Kathmandu played a key role and she saw that Beijing’s interest are protected and India is kept at Bay. Previous few years saw Indo- Nepali ties nose diving . Sher Bahadur Deouba gaining 165- 83 majority in his favour in Nepali parliament is well come and encouraging sign for India. Indo- Nepali relations were all time low unde K.P Oli’s leadership .He was dutifully following and executing the sermons received from Beijing.
New Prime Minister of Nepal, Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepali congress is an old friend of India. New Delhi has to seize this opportunity in cementing age old ties with the Himalayan neighbor. India must show its willingness to address the issues and dispel the doubts in the minds Nepali politicians, like being ready to revisit the 1950 Indo- Nepal treaty in all its seriousness. With passage of time some of the provisions of this treaty might have become outdated .Said treaty is a sore point and Nepal believes it to be impediment in further consolidation of Indo- Nepal relationship.
The demonetization decision of 8 November, 2016 created problems for Nepal. Substantial amount of Indian currency could not be exchanged with new one in stipulate time. India will have to find a way out and help Nepal in coming out of this economic crisis. Last but not the least, China cannot replace India as far as strong cultural ties are concerned .Still we cannot take Nepal to be granted but have to demonstrate our readiness to accommodate that land lock nation. This is the way we can keep China away from arms length.
Blogger Satish B Marathe