The ten years of Maoist insurgency followed by the political vacuum after the abolition of the monarchy and the delay in the drafting of the Constitution has given credence to the role of external powers in shaping the domestic politics in that country. The book examines the nature of external powers’ role during the political transition in Nepal since 2006. It analyses Nepal’s relations with external powers’ in the framework of ‘small and major powers’.
The book tries to explore the nature of their engagements by discussing the strategic significance of Nepal in regional power politics and the latter’s response to it. In the absence of any in-depth scholarly work thus far, the book tries to fill the gap by addressing the following questions: Is Nepal going to face a new round of strategic competition in the Himalayas? Has there been any visible change in China’s relationship with Nepal after the end of the monarchy? How does the US look at the political transition in Nepal? What is the strategic relevance of Nepal for major European countries? How will India balance the Chinese and US presence in Nepal? Does Nepal figure in Pakistan’s Look East Policy to counter-balance India’s Look West Policy? How will Nepal deal with the competing strategies of the major powers—regional and extra-regional?
Contents
Foreword
Acknowledgements
List of Tables and Figures
List of Abbreviations
Introduction
Significance of the Study
Foreign Policy Challenges of the Republic of Nepal
Theoretical Debate on the Foreign Policy (FP) of Small States
Evolution of Nepal’s Foreign Policy
Nepal and Multilateralism
Foreign Policy Under the Interim Constitution
Conclusion
Protecting the Sphere of Influence: India’s Relationship with Nepal
Strategic Relevance of Nepal for India
Conflicts Over the Peace Treaty
India and Nepalese Nationalism
Nepal-India Relations in Post-2006
Madhesi Movement and India
Trade and Economic Assistance
Infrastructure
Education and Health
Training of Nepalese Officials in India
Common Challenges and India’s Concerns
India’s Perception of External Involvements in Nepal
Conclusion
China in Nepal: From Political to Strategic Engagement
China’s Broad Foreign Policy Objectives
China’s Approach to South Asia
Where does Nepal Figure in China’s Foreign Policy?
Chinese Concern over External Powers in Nepal
Chinese Engagement in the Post-Monarchy Period
People-to-People Contact
Elements of China’s Nepal Policy
Can China Play a Decisive Role in Nepal?
Implications for India
Conclusion
Return of the Super Power: The US in Nepal
Strategic Relevance of Nepal for US
Nepal and US Containment Policy
Nepal and the US War Against Terror
Post-2006: Looking at Nepal through an Independent Prism?
Trade and Business
Maoists and the US Rebalance to Asia
Nepal’s Perception of the US
Conclusion
Institutionalise Peace and Democracy: Role of the EU and Major European Countries in Nepal
As Key Development Partners
Strategic Interests of EU Member Countries
Role in Negotiations
As Trading Partners
Dilemma of Conflict Prevention
Post-Conflict Approach
Approach of Major Countries to the Peace Process
Major European Countries and UNPFN
European Aid and Federalism
Conclusion
Pakistan’s Engagement with Nepal
Pakistan’s Strategic Perspective on Nepal
Bilateral Relations (1950 to 1990)
Relations During Democratic Regimes
Nepal-Pakistan Relations in Post-Conflict Period
Anti-India Campaigning on Regional Issues
Cross Border Terrorism: Implication for India-Nepal Relations
Aid and Trade
Conclusion
Conclusion
Nepal’s Options
APPENDICES
I Road Network of Nepal, Proposed Dry Ports by China, Transit Points at India-Nepal Border
II Chinese Engagements in Hydro Projects in Nepal
III Sino-Nepalese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Kathmandu, April 1960
IV Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the Government of India and the Government of Nepal
V Basic Operating Guidelines agreed to by Undersigned Agencies in Nepal
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