Nepal-India relations: Political changes and India's influences in Nepal
Date
2023
Authors
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Publisher
Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Political Science
Abstract
This dissertation has taken a closer look at India's influences on Nepal's political
changes especially after the restoration of democracy (1990-2020). This research has
been conducted using India's influence framework in Nepal's political changes. Its
foundation has been the use of analytical and descriptive methods of interpretation to
reach defined objectives. Additionally, the research is grounded in the geopolitical,
realistic, sphere of influence, constructivist, and dependent (GRSoICD) theories of
international relations. Purposive sampling of twenty people has used in this study.
Key informant interviews (KII) were conducted with nine politicians, four civil
society members, three diplomats, and four academics.
It appeared that India's leaders made an undisguised influence in the anti-Panchayat
movement of 1990 which can be interpreted under the spheres of influence theory of
International Relation (IR). India's deal on the 12-point agreement in preparation for
Mass Movement II was guided by India's psychology (IR realism and geopolitical
theory), fearing a possible Chinese trend by the rulers of Nepal. Nepal's peace
process, directly influenced by India's overt security outlook, has clearly increased
China's footprint in Nepal. India looked for maintaining its influence in Nepal after
the triumph of Mass Movement II (2006) through the Madhesh issues and frequent
changes in government.
India mainly intends to keep Nepal under its influence to minimize China's presence
in Nepal. While some Nepalis perceive India's influence in Nepal positively, another
section of Nepali sees it as India's undue influences in Nepal's internal affairs.
Political leaders in Nepal should improve their ability to deal diplomatically with
political changes by avoiding intra- and inter-party conflicts on matters of national
interest. They ought to act on their own as true nationalist leaders.
The study justifies Nepali leaders and top bureaucrats taking it seriously that they
should engage in rigorous policy discussions with those affected before embarking on
any new course or making any new decisions in political change or other sectors in
order to build a national consensus that helps to demonstrate unity in important
national issues. By doing this, Indian influence and her meddling in domestic issues
can be minimized. The policy of "balanced ties with neighboring countries" should,
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nonetheless, take precedence in Nepal. By fostering open relations and strengthening
Nepal's ability to manage and deal political movements in accordance with its own
national interests, India's influence can be minimized. Nepal should also maintain
protocol when dealing with Indian authorities and pursue an equal distance foreign
policy in order to lessen India's influence. The key findings will assist Nepali political
leaders and policymakers in developing and strengthening Nepal-India relations in
upcoming days.
Description
Keywords
Nepal-India Relations, Political Movements