Kathmandu, November 9:

A prolonged Indian military freeze may force Kathmandu into the lap of countries not friendly to New Delhi, says a book written by an Indian writer.

“A prolonged freeze on military aid is likely to dilute traditional army-to-army ties (between India and Nepal), lessen Indian Army’s leverage on RNA, foster anti-India feelings and impair RNA’s morale and operational efficiency,” says Ashok K Mehta, formerly of the Indian Army, in his book The Royal Nepal Army: Meeting The Maoist Challenge.

“It will drive the RNA to seek military equipment, especially helicopter spare parts from countries like China and Pakistan,” warned Mehta, the Indo-Asian News Service said. The books says: “Indefinitely blocking military equipment would be a breach of 1965 MoU on acquisition of military supplies by Nepal.”

“It would result in India losing its influence over Nepal, a situation created by the Maoists. It is also possible that withholding military supplies may embolden Maoists into launching their much delayed strategic offensive, with unpredictable consequences. “India will need to review its suspension of training and aid to ensure it neither adversely affects RNA performance and morale nor pushes it into seeking military stores from other countries.” RNA spokesperson, Brigadier General Dipak Kumar Gurung, declined to comment on Mehta’s contention.