India-Nepal relations and recent issues

'Friends can change but not the neighbours who have to live together'.With this view India has established its relation with Nepal and signed 'Treaty of Peace and Friendship' in 1950.The open border,national treatment granted to the nationals of other and familial links characterize the Indo-Nepal relation which have diversified in historical,geographical,economic,political,religious fields.

How Nepal and India is important for each other:

• India borders Nepal with India on three sides while its northern frontier lies with Tibet (China). This requires peace and stability in Nepal as it will ensure peace in neighbouring states(UP,Bihar).
• Indian firms(ITC,Dabur) are the biggest investors in Nepal, accounting for about 40% of total approved foreign direct investments.Therefore provide a great investment destination for Indian investor. 
• India and Nepal collectively constitutes around 250 small and major rivers therefore provides a huge resource for irrigation and power.
• India and Nepal have supported each other on various global platform(UN) therefore treating each other as natural ally.
• India has contributed significantly in Nepal's development process.Provides assistance in building roads,hydro projects,schools,infrastructure(assistance in resettlement after earthquake).
• India and Nepal share traditional cultural bonds(Madhesi and Tharu communities which are ethnically and socially close to Indians) and people-to-people relations.
• India and Nepal require close cooperation and trust of each other to strengthen the SAARC(South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation). 
• Further India needs Nepal to contain any possible aggressive Chinese assertiveness.
• Apart from that owing to open border cases of currency counterfeiting,sanctuary to terrorists,human trafficking have germinated which is a cause of concern for internal security of both of the nation.

Recent Collaborations: 

• Visits of higher authorities of both nations(visit of Indian PM to Nepal)
• India's assistance in reconstruction and rehabilitation (as a first nation in world) of  Nepal in response to earthquake.
• Invitation to Nepal(as a SAARC member) in oath ceremony of Indian Prime Minister.
• SAARC Yatra by Indian Foreign Secretary.
• Technical,political and visionary support by India to Nepal in constitution making.

 Recent Disturbing issues:

• India neither 'welcomed' nor 'congratulated' Nepal over promulgation of new constitution.Rather raised concerns for generated violence in several parts of country.India asked Nepal to for inclusion of concerns(of Madhesi and Tharu communities) in constitution.
• Some Nepali political elites sees it as Indian interference in internal affairs of Nepal and terming it against the Indian proclaimed 'Gujral doctrine' which is based on 'sovereign equality' and 'mutual respect'.
• Further Nepali people have shown anger against the Indian media for its insensitive earthquake coverage.
• Nepalese also believe that the treaties and agreements between Nepal and India are 'unequal' and not 'conductive' to Nepal's interest.Such Nepalese view of India(as a Big Brother) often prevent Nepal capitalizing on the huge energy-hungry economy next door.

Need of Hour: 

Historically established relation between India and Nepal requires a fresh thrust.So proactive 'neighbourhood first' policy,regular visits,mutually beneficial strategic and economic engagement, irreciprocal Indian developmental assistance to Nepal and deepening trust building is the need of hour.Then only a strategically secure,politically stable,harmonious and economically cooperative neighbourhood will be established. 

Source:MEA,Wiki