The relationship between India and Nepal is complex and multifaceted, shaped by historical, cultural, political, and geographical factors. While the two countries share a deep historical connection, there are several contentious issues that have occasionally strained their relationship. These disputes often revolve around territorial claims, water-sharing agreements, trade and transit issues, and diplomatic tensions. Below, I will provide a detailed analysis of the key contentious issues between India and Nepal. This will be a comprehensive explanation, ideal for educational purposes.
1. Territorial Disputes: Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura
One of the most significant and contentious issues between India and Nepal is the territorial dispute over areas in the northwestern region of Nepal, particularly the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura areas. The dispute has been a source of diplomatic friction, especially since 2019.
Kalapani Area
Kalapani is strategically important, situated at the confluence of the Kali River, which forms part of the border between India and Nepal. The area is controlled by India, and it is part of the Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. Nepal, however, claims that Kalapani lies within its territory, arguing that the Kali River originates from a different source, further north, which would place Kalapani in Nepal’s territory.
In May 2020, the controversy escalated when India released a new political map following the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. The map included Kalapani as part of India, prompting Nepal to issue a protest. Nepal released its own political map, claiming Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as part of its territory.
Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura
Lipulekh is a mountain pass that serves as a trade route between India and China. In 2020, India inaugurated a road leading to Lipulekh, which passes through a disputed region, further intensifying tensions with Nepal. Nepal maintains that this road crosses into its territory, specifically through the Kalapani area. The map issued by Nepal in May 2020 included Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura as parts of its territory.
The dispute over these areas is deeply tied to historical agreements and interpretations. The British-era Sugauli Treaty of 1815, which defined the boundary between Nepal and British India, remains a central document in this debate. Nepal argues that the boundary defined in the treaty places these areas on the Nepali side of the Kali River, whereas India interprets the boundary differently.
2. Water Sharing Disputes
India and Nepal share several rivers that flow from the Himalayas, with both countries relying heavily on these water resources for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower. Disputes over the sharing of these waters have been ongoing for decades, as both countries seek to utilize these rivers for their economic needs.
Kosi River and Saptakoshi Treaty
The Kosi River, one of Nepal’s major rivers, has been a point of contention between India and Nepal for years. The Saptakoshi Agreement, signed in 1954, allowed India to build embankments and regulate water flow for irrigation and flood control. However, Nepal has raised concerns over the impacts of these structures, particularly the flooding caused by embankment breaches. The river, which flows from Nepal into India, has caused devastating floods in both countries, and Nepal accuses India of not taking sufficient responsibility for mitigating the damage.
Ganga River and the Ganga Treaty
The Ganga River is another shared water resource. In 1996, India and Nepal signed the Ganga Treaty, which provided for the sharing of water from the Ganga and its tributaries. The treaty aims to regulate the use of water resources and to build projects to promote mutual benefits. However, despite the treaty, disagreements continue regarding water rights, water pollution, and the implementation of infrastructure projects. Nepal has expressed concerns about India’s water utilization projects upstream that could affect water availability downstream in Nepal.
Koshi and Gandak Projects
The Koshi and Gandak projects involve joint irrigation schemes between the two countries. Nepal has raised concerns that some of the infrastructure on these rivers has not been operated in the most optimal way, leading to water shortages and reduced benefits for Nepalese farmers. The Indian side has often been accused of prioritizing Indian agricultural needs over those of Nepal.
3. Trade and Transit Issues
India and Nepal share a vital trade relationship, with India being Nepal’s largest trading partner. However, disputes have occasionally emerged over trade and transit issues, especially when there have been disruptions in the free movement of goods and services.
Blockades and Economic Sanctions
The most significant example of trade-related tensions occurred in 2015 when India imposed an unofficial blockade on Nepal. Following Nepal’s promulgation of a new constitution, which India perceived as being discriminatory toward the Madhesi people (ethnic groups living in the Terai region, which shares a border with India), India imposed trade restrictions. The blockade led to significant shortages of goods in Nepal, particularly fuel and medicine, which caused widespread hardship in the country.
Nepal accused India of using the blockade as a political tool to influence Nepal’s domestic policies, while India argued that the blockade was a result of protests from the Madhesi community, which had grievances about the new constitution. The blockade severely strained the relationship between the two countries, and Nepal sought to diversify its trade routes and reduce dependence on India.
Trade Agreements and Tariffs
In addition to blockades, the two countries have sometimes disagreed over trade tariffs and the terms of bilateral trade agreements. Nepal has called for more favorable terms for its exports to India, as it faces barriers such as high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. India has been responsive to some extent but also insists on the need to safeguard its own economic interests.
4. Diplomatic Tensions and Political Relations
India and Nepal have had a complicated diplomatic relationship, marked by both cooperation and occasional friction. Nepal has historically been cautious about being overly dependent on India, due to the perception of India’s dominance in the region. Nepal has often sought to maintain a balanced foreign policy, fostering relationships with both India and China.
Nepal’s Growing Ties with China
In recent years, Nepal’s growing relationship with China has been a point of concern for India. Nepal has signed agreements with China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which includes investments in infrastructure and development projects. India has expressed apprehension about Chinese influence in Nepal, fearing that it could reduce India’s influence in the region. Nepal, on the other hand, maintains that its engagement with China is aimed at fostering economic development and is not meant to undermine its relationship with India.
The 2019 Border Stand-off
In 2019, India and Nepal experienced heightened tensions following the publication of India’s new political map. Nepal was particularly sensitive to the inclusion of the disputed areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura in the Indian map, which Nepal viewed as an infringement on its sovereignty. The diplomatic standoff lasted for several months, with both countries engaging in strong verbal exchanges.
5. Historical Context and National Identity
The historical background of India-Nepal relations plays a crucial role in understanding the contentious issues. Nepal’s sovereignty has often been seen as a sensitive topic, as it is the only Hindu kingdom that remained independent during the British colonial period in India. Nepal’s history of interactions with India has been shaped by shared cultural and religious ties, but also by the desire to assert its national identity and independence.
The Sugauli Treaty of 1815, which was signed between the British East India Company and the Kingdom of Nepal, serves as the legal basis for the boundary dispute. After the treaty, Nepal lost significant territories to the British, including parts of present-day Uttarakhand and western Nepal. The legacy of this treaty continues to affect Nepal’s relations with India, with Nepal occasionally seeking to reclaim territories it lost in the 19th century.
6. Impact on Regional Stability
The tensions between India and Nepal also have implications for the broader South Asian region. The two countries are members of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and their cooperation is essential for regional stability. While both countries have historically been important players in regional security and diplomacy, the unresolved issues between them continue to pose a challenge to South Asian cooperation.
In addition, the involvement of China in Nepal’s affairs has further complicated the dynamics in the region. China’s growing influence in Nepal raises concerns in India, which sees Nepal as part of its strategic sphere of influence. The balancing act between India, Nepal, and China will continue to be a key factor in regional stability and geopolitics.
Conclusion
The relationship between India and Nepal is deeply intertwined with both historical and contemporary issues. While both countries share strong cultural and historical ties, their relationship has been affected by several contentious issues, including territorial disputes, water-sharing conflicts, trade and transit barriers, and diplomatic tensions. These disputes are not easily resolved, as they are rooted in a complex mix of historical claims, national pride, and competing regional interests. Moving forward, both India and Nepal must seek to address these issues through constructive dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation, in order to foster a stable and peaceful relationship.
