Nihar R. Nayak

Chinese PM in Nepal: A short visit but a long trail?

Wen Jiabao’s visit came about at a time when China is concerned about the ongoing political instability in Nepal and is looking for new political partners after the fall of the monarchy.

Nihar R. Nayak |
January 18, 2012 |
IDSA Comments

Political Cost of PM Bhattarai’s India Visit

The visit gave an opportunity to both India and the Maoists to settle some of their misunderstandings. However, it could be a huge risk for India to engage him more at the individual level than at the party level.

Nihar R. Nayak |
October 31, 2011 |
IDSA Comments

Time to Reassure Nepal

S.M. Krishna should reassure the people of Nepal that India has always acted in the interests of the Nepalese people and that it has no intention to interfere in the internal politics of the country.

Will the ‘New’ left government resolve the political impasse in Nepal?

Although the option for the Maoists to join the Khanal government is open, for the time being the chances of a consensus government look remote.

Nihar R. Nayak |
February 16, 2011 |
IDSA Comments

Nepal 2010: Uncertainties Galore

The peace process was deadlocked, with extreme polarization within and among the political parties on various issues.

Nihar R. Nayak |
January 10, 2011 |
IDSA Comments

New Nepal: The Fault Lines by Nishchal Nath Pandey

Sage, New Delhi, 2010, ISBN 9788132103165

India–Nepal Peace and Friendship Treaty (1950): Does it Require Revision?

The Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed between India and Nepal in 1950 has been a subject of debate within Nepal. The issue has been regularly featured in left parties' election manifestos in Nepal and become an agenda item in bilateral talks. India has agreed to review, adjust and update the treaty while giving due recognition to the special features of the bilateral relationship. Nepal's reservations to the treaty are based on the argument that the treaty compromises Nepal's ability to pursue an independent defence and foreign policy.

Impending Crisis in Nepal

With Prachanda’s announcement that the Maoists intend to launch an indefinite nationwide general strike, a major crisis seems to be brewing in Nepal.

Nihar R. Nayak |
April 29, 2010 |
IDSA Comments

Maoists rhetoric on India-Nepal Relations

India should clarify through actions and words that it has no intention of interfering in Nepal, that it respects Nepal’s sovereignty and that it is ready to work with any dispensation in Nepal for furthering mutual security and economic concerns.

Nihar R. Nayak |
January 13, 2010 |
IDSA Comments

PLA Integration into the Nepal Army: Challenges and Prospects

Integration of Maoist combatants into the Nepal Army (NA) has become a contentious issue. Although the stakeholders have agreed on the integration process, they are yet to arrive at a consensus on how to attempt it. They have changed their positions frequently over the issue, which has complicated matters further. The NA holds the view that the lack of conventional training of Maoist combatants, as well as their ideological orientation, would have a serious effect on its professional standards.