The official Nepal visit of Indian Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid expected sometime in the coming week might seem pretty meaningless. It is an open secret that every aspirant to higher office in Nepal maintains close ties with New Delhi through multiple channels. They routinely visit the Indian capital where they meet Indian politicians from across the political spectrum. [break]
During these meetings bilateral issues are as freely discussed as the prospects of lucrative educational scholarships for their loved ones. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu is accused (often justifiably) of undue meddling in Nepal’s political affairs: the common belief is that nothing gets done here without India’s blessings. In this situation, what is the need for a formal visit of a top Indian official? The answer is simple: in diplomacy appearance is the substance. Khurshid’s visit comes hot on the heels of the two-day sojourn of Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi. During his Nepal trip, the top Chinese official signed various agreements relating to economic and technical cooperation, an Armed Police Force academy and logistics for upcoming CA polls.
The Indians were more than a little perturbed. There is a growing belief in the Indian establishment that China’s growing inroads into Nepal are inimical to its interests. Ever since Jawaharlal Nehru’s time, India has viewed Nepal as under its security umbrella and has jealously guarded its pejorative as the first among equals to direct political events in the country. For a long time, China let India have its way in Nepal. But following the demise of monarchy and the ensuing political uncertainties, China clearly felt that its vital interests would be compromised, particularly vis-à-vis Tibet, if it decided to sit back and let events in Nepal play out their normal course. Above all, China wants political stability in Nepal, and so does India. But each fears that it might have conceded a little too much space to the other. This mentality is more prevalent among the Indians than the Chinese who are unburdened by age-old socio-cultural linkages and the myriad ramifications of an open border.
During his visit, Khurshid will be dropping plenty of hints that India is uncomfortable with China’s growing clout in Nepal. The Indo-China economic cooperation might be at an all-time high and India would not jeopardize perhaps its most important bilateral relationship over Nepal, but there is also no way India will let its iron hold over Nepal slip even a tiny bit. Khurshid is expected to announce a variety of Indian aid for CA polls including electronic voting machines and up to 500 vehicles to be used for electoral purposes.
But no one will be led astray by this apparent magnanimity. To this day international relations continue to be guided by Lord Palmerston’s famous saw that there are no permanent friends or enemies, only national interests. One good news for Nepal is that both India and China seem to believe that holding the CA polls on the scheduled date is Nepal’s best bet for political stability. We agree. So long as the two giant neighbors’ interests align with ours, no one will be complaining. In fact, keeping it that way should be the chief goal of Nepali diplomacy in the long run as well.
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