Relations

Relations Context ™ Nepal and China finalized the protocol of their Transit and Transport deal. ™ Nepal declined to attend BIMSTEC military exercise (MILEX ) hosted by India. Brief background of relationship ™ India and Nepal share a very special relationship with each other. They share a common culture and terrain south of the Himalaya. Bound by languages and religions, marriage and mythology, the links of their civilizational contacts run through both the countries. ™ At the people to people level, relations between India and Nepal are closer and more multifaceted than between India and any other country. ™ Republic of India and Nepal began their formal relationship with the Indo- Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship. This treaty is the cornerstone of our current relation with Nepal. Significance of Nepal Strategic relations ™ Nepal’s geographical location is unique such that it is a natural buffer between India and China. ™ Since Nepal is a landlocked country it greatly depends on India for its interaction with the outside world. Prime Minister Modi gave a new “5T” (Tradition, Trade, Tourism, Technology and transport) formula for India-Nepal relation during his visit in May, . Political relations ™ Nepal shares a special relationship with India historically. ™ India has a treaty of peace and friendship with Nepal since . ™ This treaty is instrumental for a close cooperation between the two countries. ™ India has always considered South Asia to be its sphere of influence. Cultural relations ™ India and Nepal share a common culture and have a long history of people to people relationship. ™ Nepali and Indian people visit each other’s country for religious pilgrimage. Pashupati and Janakpur are traditional centres in Nepal whereas Varanasi and the four Dhaams are important pilgrimage destination in India. ™ The Buddhist network is interlinked -- Lumbini is in Nepal, while Kushinagar, Gaya and Sarnath are in India. ™ It is said that India and Nepal have ‘Roti- Beti ka Rishta’ (ties of food and family). The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship is a bilateral pact between the Government of Nepal and Government of India aimed at establishing a close strategic relationship between the two South Asian neighbours. The treaty was inked at Kathmandu on July , by then Prime Minister of Nepal Mohan Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana and the then Indian ambassador to Nepal, Chadreshwar Narayan Singh. The treaty permits free movement of people and goods between the two countries and a close relationship and collaboration on matters of defence and foreign affairs.