Nepal

The release of a restructured map of India in November 2019 after the abrogation of Article 370 had reopened old wounds in the Indo-Nepalese relationship. With the evolution of COVID-19 pandemic this Indo-Nepalese impasse appears to have been on the backburner. However, with the recent inauguration of a new road stretching around 80km from Drachula in Uttarakhand to Lipulekh pass by the Indian Defence Minister, it seems to have resurrected.

Since time immemorial, Nepal and India have been bonded together through historical, cultural, religious, social, economic and political ties. Yet, there are obvious differences in the interests and views of these neighbours in the current times leading to drift in the relationship. Nepal is strategically important for India and has a high influence on India’s national interests. Therefore, the government must take steps to improve its diplomatic relationship with Nepal.