335 km². That’s the extent Nepal has now claimed officially of Indian territory. The total square territory of Nepal now stands at 147,516 km². Historically as well as illegally, Nepal has really no basis. With that being said, it is surprising that Nepal would seek to almost freeze relations with New Delhi considering its social economic state.
Not only is there no legal basis, but the strategic importance of the area can’t be understated. With major passes and access to the LAC and Tibet, the new road serves the army in quickly mobilizing troops to the LAC. The road also eases the access for pilgrims who previously had a harrowing trip in tying to cross over to Tibet and Kailash/Mansarovar.
Nepal was already struggling even before the lockdown. Post lockdown its citizens have become increasingly desperate paying up to 2 to 3 times for basic necessities as well as logistical taxes from imports across the Indian Border.
In such a stern crisis, KP Oli would seek to diverge attention from his own internal strife and blame it on the only neighbor that he can. India has not only been generous on a yearly basis but we have basically even treated Nepal akin to a northern state. We have, approximately invested more than half $1 billion over the last 18 years.
Unfortunately, Nepal reminds me a lot of Pakistan. More akin to a feudal system with the Kathmandu elite running the show especially over the poor of the plains. This includes various ethnicities including Khas Chhetri and Bahun who compromise over 30% of the population, ruling over the hill tribes of approximately another 25% and the people of the plains being approximately another 30%.
This also means that, this feudal system of the topmost 30% I feel can be bought out by any foreign players. China has no other proxy in Nepal but specifically related to the upper caste Kshetri and Bahun castes.
While they may be Hindus. It is hurtful to see a section of Hindu community turn their backs on the more poverty-stricken Hindus of the Nepali plains.
I have no doubt in my mind, that this whole charade has been orchestrated by China who have deftly allowed the pockets of the upper caste Chhetri and Bahun to get quite fat.
However, what is reassuring is the amount of people to people contacts as the Army chief said between the people of the plains being the Terai and India’s border states. India’s strategic advantage lies in not only making contacts upon the Madhesi or Terai people, but also to convince the upper class as to the benefits of closely allying with India.
Let’s also not forget, that a large segment exists within Nepal who are pensioners from the Indian Army. The Indian Army also has several regiments with thousands of Gurkha soldiers from Nepal as well. Nepalis hold them in the highest regard, and they also could be a force that may ally with India as well.
Nepal’s upper house and elite might have ratified 335 km2 unilaterally. What the Khas/Chhetri and Bahun may have loss is the unconditional support India has given them over decades. Perhaps its time to take a hard look at the inequalities that exist and support the others in their struggle as well.
KP Oli, might well remember what happened to the Chogyal of Sikkim. Growing deeply unpopular by vast sections of his own country, it was voted to join the Republic of India. A similar situation may not be completely unrealistic.
