Strategic Himalayas: Republican Nepal and External Powers

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About the Book

The ten years of Maoist insurgency followed by the political vacuum after the abolition of the monarchy and the delay in the drafting of the Constitution has given credence to the role of external powers in shaping the domestic politics in that country. The book examines the nature of external powers’ role during the political transition in Nepal since 2006. It analyses Nepal’s relations with external powers’ in the framework of ‘small and major powers’.

The book tries to explore the nature of their engagements by discussing the strategic significance of Nepal in regional power politics and the latter’s response to it. In the absence of any in-depth scholarly work thus far, the book tries to fill the gap by addressing the following questions: Is Nepal going to face a new round of strategic competition in the Himalayas? Has there been any visible change in China’s relationship with Nepal after the end of the monarchy? How does the US look at the political transition in Nepal? What is the strategic relevance of Nepal for major European countries? How will India balance the Chinese and US presence in Nepal? Does Nepal figure in Pakistan’s Look East Policy to counter-balance India’s Look West Policy? How will Nepal deal with the competing strategies of the major powers—regional and extra-regional?

Contents

Foreword
Acknowledgements
List of Tables and Figures
List of Abbreviations

1. Introduction
   Significance of the Study
2. Foreign Policy Challenges of the Republic of Nepal
   Theoretical Debate on the Foreign Policy (FP) of Small States
   Evolution of Nepal’s Foreign Policy
   Nepal and Multilateralism
   Foreign Policy Under the Interim Constitution
   Conclusion
3. Protecting the Sphere of Influence: India’s Relationship with Nepal
   Strategic Relevance of Nepal for India
   Conflicts Over the Peace Treaty
   India and Nepalese Nationalism
   Nepal-India Relations in Post-2006
   Madhesi Movement and India
   Trade and Economic Assistance
   Infrastructure
   Education and Health
   Training of Nepalese Officials in India
   Common Challenges and India’s Concerns
   India’s Perception of External Involvements in Nepal
   Conclusion
4. China in Nepal: From Political to Strategic Engagement
   China’s Broad Foreign Policy Objectives
   China’s Approach to South Asia
   Where does Nepal Figure in China’s Foreign Policy?
   Chinese Concern over External Powers in Nepal
   Chinese Engagement in the Post-Monarchy Period
   People-to-People Contact
   Elements of China’s Nepal Policy
   Can China Play a Decisive Role in Nepal?
   Implications for India
   Conclusion
5. Return of the Super Power: The US in Nepal
   Strategic Relevance of Nepal for US
   Nepal and US Containment Policy
   Nepal and the US War Against Terror
   Post-2006: Looking at Nepal through an Independent Prism?
   Trade and Business
   Maoists and the US Rebalance to Asia
   Nepal’s Perception of the US
   Conclusion
6. Institutionalise Peace and Democracy: Role of the EU and Major European Countries in Nepal
   As Key Development Partners
   Strategic Interests of EU Member Countries
   Role in Negotiations
   As Trading Partners
   Dilemma of Conflict Prevention
   Post-Conflict Approach
   Approach of Major Countries to the Peace Process
   Major European Countries and UNPFN
   European Aid and Federalism
   Conclusion
7. Pakistan’s Engagement with Nepal
   Pakistan’s Strategic Perspective on Nepal
   Bilateral Relations (1950 to 1990)
   Relations During Democratic Regimes
   Nepal-Pakistan Relations in Post-Conflict Period
   Anti-India Campaigning on Regional Issues
   Cross Border Terrorism: Implication for India-Nepal Relations
   Aid and Trade
   Conclusion
8. Conclusion
   Nepal’s Options

APPENDICES

I Road Network of Nepal, Proposed Dry Ports by China, Transit Points at India-Nepal Border
II Chinese Engagements in Hydro Projects in Nepal
III Sino-Nepalese Treaty of Peace and Friendship, Kathmandu, April 1960
IV Treaty of Peace and Friendship Between the Government of India and the Government of Nepal
V Basic Operating Guidelines agreed to by Undersigned Agencies in Nepal

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Index

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