The relationship between Nepal and India should be redefined according to the changing times, and there should be a new approach to solving the border problem. Opinions about each other can change, but neighbours cannot be changed
KATHMANDU, JANUARY 25
In ancient times, today's modern India or Nepal did not exist. In the ancient texts of Hindu religion, the Purana, Ramayana and Mahabharata, there are countless cases of plotsand characters within the borders of what is today Nepal and India.
The kind of similes and embellishments used in Nepal-India relations can hardly be seen in the case of any other two countries.
Whatever the case may have been in ancient times, Nepal is an important neighbour of India in the modern era. Centuries-old people-to-people relations and faith as well as geographical, religious, historical, cultural and economic relations are important aspects of both the countries.
The relationship between Nepal and India is not based on what Nepal has given to India and what India has given to Nepal in return. This relationship has been going on for centuries.
In case of illness, a Nepali can freely go to India.
He goes to look for work there. Indians also come here for work, vacation or pilgrimage. The border remains open.
But the question is, how open is the mind of those in the political and administrative government? The day when the minds of the rulers of India, which is emerging as a world power, are open like those of the citizens on both sides of the border, the problems of the two countries will fade.
For this, it is necessary to learn from some events and forget others.
The open border between these two countries makes clear the originality and unbreakable relationship between these two countries. Small disputes between neighbours do take place. However, such disputes do not have much impact on the permanent and long-term relationship.
What is of importance is whether there is mutual understanding between the two. As long as there is understanding, the thorn in the foot of the pedestrian walking in the border area should not be weighed.
Recently, due to various developments, arguments have also been heard that the borders of the two countries should not be kept open. However, according to the flow of time, the relationship between the two countries should be made dynamic. Existing problems should be solvedbased on past experience.
The relationship between Nepal and India should be redefined according to the changing times, and the approach to solving the border problem should change. Opinions about each other can change, but neighbours cannot be changed. It is necessary to analyse the needs and actual situation of both the countries forthe solution of the border problem by absorbing this principle. According to the changing environment, it is important to clarify what should be the relationship between Nepal and India.
India is the most populous democratic country in the world. Undoubtedly, fierce nationalism is the major challenge today. For this, it is necessary for both countries to present themselves in a very decent and responsible manner and toreach the level of citizens and rise above the level of blaming.
India is on the way to making its presence felt in the international arena. In this context, what can the role of Nepal as a neighbor be? Similarly, in the United Nations and regional organisations, what can be the parties that can go together according to the same foreign policy of Ne-pal and India? And what strategies can be prepared need to be considered.
Similarly, what should be India's role for Nepal, which is trying to graduate to a developing nation in the future? As a landlocked country, what role can India play in establishing maritime access for Nepal? The parental role to be played by a large and powerful state and the largest democratic state and its responsibilities can becomesubjects of inquiry.
The steps taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the social, economic and cultural relations with the neighbouring countries have been analysed as being far-reaching and effective.
India has been in favour of South Asian countries working together for the development of this region.
Accordingly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been emphasising the need for cooperation with neighbouring countries. India hopes for all-round cooperation in the interest of peace and humanity in the South Asian region. A vivid example of this is the Nepal-India relationship.
The relationship, which has existed for a long time with shared dreams and aspirations for success, is moving harmoniously, which is beneficial for both countries and the region as well. Despite the obstacles that appear from time to time, the importance of Nepal-India relations is constantly increasing.
However, the inflammatory expressions of the political leaders in the media of both the countries make this issue confusing. As far as Nepal is concerned, despite being relatively weak, today's era is an era of justice, equality and respect for each other. However, to reach that situation, what Nepal should be aware of is that it should remain politically strong. Leaders here make accusations about interference because of the tendency to accuse others when being weak.
High ranking diplomats of Nepal and India have expressed their commitment to take the century-old Nepal-India relationship to a new height by increasing mutual trust and cooperation to make it suitable for the 21st century. There are border problems between Nepal and India at some places, which must be solved at the earliest.
It would be beneficial for both the countries to discuss the issue and find a solution in the changing situation. The history of Nepal-India relations should be studied to see what issue is straining them, if any, between the neighbouring countries.
Ordinary Nepalis and Indians would like to see the relationship strengthened, which should be understood by the concerned parties.
Shrestha is Vice President, Nepal-India Friendship Association
A version of this article appears in the print on January 26, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
