China's Interference in Nepal

Chaired by: Shri RNP Singh, Managing Editor, Eternal India Shri Mayank Singh, Defence Correspondent, The Sunday Indian Shri Nihar Nayak, Associate Fellow, IDSA

  

 

The seminar on ‘China’s Interference in Nepal and Its Implications for India’ was attended by a large number of academicians, researchers and journalists. Initiating the discussion, RNP Singh was of the view that Indian diplomats and the policy-makers are responsible for the tilt in India’s relations with Nepal and due to the lackadaisical handling of the situation obtaining there, China has taken advantage and is grabbing India’s space vis-à-vis that country. It has even pumped money to influence the Nepalese. A recent example is its assistance to disburse pension to Nepalese senior citizens. Indian policy is guided by adhocism, and has failed to utilise the historical, cultural and people-to-people relations between India and Nepal. Nepal had begun to drift away from India even before the Maoists took over. The kingdom welcomed Chinese, US and British help.

 

 

Sh. Nihar Nayak said China is trying to create anti-India sentiments in Nepal. Its policy in Nepal is part of its strategic plan to encircle India. India should utilise non-governmental channels to restore its healthy relationship with Nepal, he said. China’s investment in Nepal is growing fast which is a matter of concern to India. And, the Maoists in Nepal are trying to emulate the CPM - parliamentarianism is now their creed. Indian policy-makers are adopting shortsighted approach while dealing with the situation. However, Sh. Mayank Singh said the situation is not as alarming as being portrayed. The seminar pointed that there had been anti-India demonstrations in Nepal but there was none against either China or Pakistan.