Daily News Analysis

India and Nepal relations

stylish_lining

Context: Nepal signed a long-term agreement for the export of 10,000 MW power to India in the next 10 years and an MoU for cooperation in renewable energy .

Status of India-Nepal Relations:

Defense Cooperation:

- India supports Nepal Army in modernization through equipment, training, and joint military exercises.

- The Gorkha regiments of the Indian Army recruit soldiers from Nepal, with around 32,000 Gorkha soldiers serving in the Indian Army.

Disaster Management:

- India provided rapid assistance during the 2015 earthquake, including rescue teams, relief materials, and medical support.

- Total relief assistance exceeded $67 million, and India announced a $1 billion post-earthquake reconstruction package.

Infrastructure Development:

- India actively contributes to Nepal's development in infrastructure, health, water Resources, education, and rural development.

- Collaboration on border infrastructure, roads, and rail links is significant, and Indian companies are major investors in Nepal.

Water Resources Cooperation:

- Agreements for power exchange and transmission exist, with India supplying around 600 MW of power to Nepal.

- Mechanisms for discussing water Resources and hydropower cooperation are established.

Education:

- India contributes to human Resource development in Nepal, offering scholarships and seats for various courses.

Cultural Exchange:

- Cultural exchanges and people-to-people initiatives are integral, with agreements between Indian and Nepalese cultural and media organizations.

Challenges:

1. Issues with Peace and Friendship Treaty.

2. Territorial Disputes in areas like Kalapani.

3. Chinese Influence.

4. Security Threats due to a porous border.

5. Trust Deficit over project delays and perceived interference.

Way Forward:

- Resolve water issues through diplomatic talks based on international law.

- Increase investments and expedite project completion for a positive image.

- Counter China's influence by addressing economic cooperation challenges.

- Explore realistic solutions for the border dispute, drawing lessons from India-Bangladesh resolution.

Conclusion:

India-Nepal's historic ties are crucial for economic and strategic interests. A friendly Nepal acts as a buffer between India and China. Constructive engagement and enhanced cooperation are vital for long-term mutual benefits.

India-UK Vision 2035

The Indian Prime Minister's visit to London was indeed a significant diplomatic milestone, as it unveiled the India–UK Vision 2035 roadmap and formalized the Comprehensive Economic and T
Share It

Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 is a critical piece of legislation designed to protect the rights and dignity of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled
Share It

Financial Inclusion Index

The Financial Inclusion Index (FI-Index), as reported by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), is a key metric that measures the level of financial inclusion across the country. Overview of the Fin
Share It

International Seabed Authority

The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is currently in the midst of negotiations regarding the extraction of metals from the high seas, particularly as U.S. efforts to fast-track this practice h
Share It

Election of Vice-President of India

Article 64 of the Constitution of India specifies that the Vice-President's post cannot remain vacant for any period of time, as it is essential for the functioning of the Rajya Sabha (Council
Share It

Maharashtra Scraps Hindi as Compulsory Third Language

The Maharashtra government recently scrapped its Government Resolutions (GRs) that mandated Hindi as a compulsory third language from Grades 1 to 5 in Marathi and English medium schools. While the
Share It

River Pollution in India

The Delhi government's focus on cleaning up the Yamuna River is part of a larger national effort to rejuvenate the Ganga River and its tributaries, in alignment with the Namami Gange Programme
Share It

Infrastructure Failures

The recent collapse of the Mahisagar River Bridge in Vadodara, which tragically claimed the lives of 20 people, underscores the growing concern over India's infrastructure quality. Similar
Share It

Special Intensive Revision (SIR)

The Supreme Court (SC) is currently reviewing the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) process for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, suggesting that Aadhaar,
Share It

GM Crop

In ongoing trade talks, the United States is advocating for India to open its agriculture market to genetically modified (GM) crops. However, India has firmly rejected this proposal, citing concer
Share It

Newsletter Subscription


ACQ IAS
ACQ IAS