King Gyanendra’s maiden “goodwill visit” receives high-profile treatment and attention by the Indian leadership and media. The southern neighbor also offers to extend full-fledged support to combat insurgency in the Himalayan kingdom. But perhaps the most important aspect of the visit is the commitment of the Indian leadership towards peace, stability and progres in Nepal. Are we in a new phase of bilatreal relations?
By BHAGIRATH YOGI in New Delhi
Those watching the topsy-turvy relationship between Nepal and India refuse to believe that there could be a turnaround in the attitude of the Asian giant toward its small, northern neighbor within a span of few weeks. But New Delhi seemed to have become warmer and friendlier toward Nepal since Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba concluded his visit in March this year.
As the special Royal Nepal Airlines aircraft landed at the Air Force Station at Palam in the Indian capital Sunday evening (June 23), King Gyanendra, Queen Komal and members of royal entourage were accorded a hearty welcome. In less than a† couple of hours, Indian Prime Minister Atal BehariVajpayee invited the royal couple at a private dinner what many saw as a significant departure from tradition. The hour-long, one-to-one meeting between King Gyanendra and Premier Vajpayee paved way for the more in-depth talks between them the next day.
King Gyanendra at a program organized by business community : Inviting Indian investors
King Gyanendra at a program organized by business community : Inviting Indian investors
At 10 am on Monday, President of India K. R. Narayanan, Madam Usha Narayanan and Premier Vajpayee, among other dignitaries, were present at the forecourt of the Rastrapati Bhavan to welcome Their Majesties. In the grand but somber ceremonial welcome, that included an inter-services guard of honor,† 21 gun salutes were presented to His Majesty. After laying a wreath at Rajghat, samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, Father of Nation of India, amid a sudden downpour in an otherwise hot Delhi,† King Gyanendra kept himself busy for the next two days and half meeting a galaxy of Indian leaders and people from different walks of life.
Besides courtesy calls with President Narayanan and Vice President Krishna Kant, King Gyanendra received in audience former prime ministers P. V. Narasimha Rao, Chandra Shekhar and I.K. Gujral, leader of the opposition Sonia Gandhi and senior members of the Vajpayee cabinet at the spacious and well-guarded Rastrapati Bhavan. Another hour-long, one-to-one meeting between the Nepalese monarch and the Indian premier covered almost all issues of bilateral relations, officials said.
While there was no formal briefing about the outcome of the high-profile meetings, Nepalese officials said Indian leaders stressed the role of constitutional monarchy in strengthening multiparty democracy in Nepal and offered full help to combat the Maoist insurgency. King Gyanendra, too, reiterated his commitment to strengthen the democratic polity in the kingdom from his capacity as constitutional monarch.
Officials said the King’s first foreign visit after ascending the throne in the tragic circumstances in the aftermath of the June 1 incident at the Narayanhiti palace could be described by two ‘Cs’- Continuity and Consolidation. While there was a need to continue relationship between Nepal and India at the highest level, the royal visit also contributed to further consolidate close relations between the two neighbors.
“In the event of the tragic royal palace incident last year and in the context of present global scenario, there was a need to continue and consolidate relations between the two countries at the highest level,” said Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, Royal Nepalese ambassador to India. “The royal visit has afforded that opportunity and helped build an environment of trust and confidence at the highest level.”
During the Delhi sojourn, King Gyanendra raised Nepal’s concerns in business-like precision and also addressed to the concerns of the Indian leadership. During his meeting with the King at the Dwaraka suite on Tuesday, Lal Krishna Advani, the powerful Indian Home Minister now elevated as Deputy Prime Minister and no. 2 in the Vajpayee cabinet, said India, too, was facing extreme left violence in several states, including those on the Indo-Nepalese border. “The home minister assured vigorous assistance to Nepal in combating the Maoist insurgency and also sought Kathmandu’s cooperation in preventing infiltration of terrorists into India,” The Hindustan Times daily reported. “On his part, King Gyanendra promised to tighten the screws on those indulging in anti-India activity from Nepal and assured that Nepal would do all to prevent misuse of its territory.”
King Gyanendra (right) with PM Vajpayee : Respecting mutual concerns
King Gyanendra (right) with PM Vajpayee : Respecting mutual concerns
Only a week back, Advani had told the Indian media that two terrorist organizations, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed had shifted their base to Nepal to launch anti-India operations. The Nepalese government has already been apprised of these developments, he said. Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Arjun Jung Bahadur Singh, however, said the Foreign Ministry had not received any such information from the Indian side.
Durung his courtesy call, Defense Minister George Fernandes briefed the King about the ongoing military cooperation between the two countries. He said that the Indian Army had agreed to train Nepalese soldiers in counter-insurgency operations at the counter-insurgency and jungle warfare school at Varangate in Mizoram. The two sides have also agreed to share intelligence on the activities of extremists along the Indo-Nepal border. India is also providing helicopters, utility vehicles and mine-proof vehicles to Nepal to compat the maoists, reports said.
While some saw King Gyanendra’s extensive meetings with top Indian leadership, including half a dozen members of the Vajpayee government in New Delhi, as an indication of the King’s desire to “assert” his role in domestic affairs and diplomatic relations, others saw it as a sincere effort on part of the King to build an environment of confidence and trust between the two neighbors.
“The King has presented the Nepalese perspective very clearly during his talks with the Indian leaders,” said Jharendra Narayan Singh, former foreign secretary and former Royal Nepalese ambassador to India, who was a member of the royal entourage. “As close neighbors, we should try to understand each other’s sensitivities. At the same time, the great should be generous. But there are problems at the implementation level which both the sides are trying to resolve.”
Despite huge differences in size, population and scale of economy, Nepal and India are close neighbors with a nearly 1,800 km long common, border between them. Open and unrestricted interaction at the people-to-people level has helped bring the two countries closer, at times creating problems at different levels. The issue of Indian military presence at Kalapani in far-western Nepal, submerging of Nepali territory due to construction of bunds on the Indian side, border demarcation and reviewing the 1950 treaty remain to be resolved. Similarly, the much-hyped 1996 Mahakali Integrated
Treaty between the two countries is yet to be implemented for mutual benefit.
While the concept of “northern security” has been the overriding concern for Indian policy makers in dealing with Nepal since its independence, gaining unrestricted access into the vast Indian market and seeking Indian cooperation in containing Maoist activities have been top on Nepalese agenda, of late.
When Prime Minister Deuba visited New Delhi early this year urging the Indian leadership to control the activities of the Maoist leadership from Indian soil, the Indian officialdom seemed annoyed to some extent. A dependable ally of the US in its war against terror and seeking international support against cross-border terrorism in Kashmir, India could not afford to be seen as a country providing safe haven to the Nepalese Maoists that are waging a bloody insurgency within Nepal over the last six years.
“It is beyond doubt that Nepalese Maoists are operating from the Indian soil,” said Yadav Kant Silwal, former foreign secretary and former secretary-general of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. “The Maoists seem to be taking benefit out of carelessness and governance problems in India.”
Many in India, however, still think that the Nepalese “Maoists” do have relevance in the scheme of things called “northern security” whereby India wants to engage and limit Chinese influence in South and South-East Asia. While China has always offered unequivocal support for peace, stability and progress in Nepal, these strategists argue that three Himalayan kingdoms, namely Sikkim, Bhutan and Nepal must fall under Indian “security umbrella.”
Sikkim was acceded into India in 1975 and New Delhi takes care of foreign and security policy of Bhutan thanks to a bilateral treaty of 1949. The 1950 treaty of peace and friendship provides a basis of friendly relations between Nepal and India honoring each other’s concerns. While major political parties and a strong group of intelligentsia in Nepal advocate reviewing the treaty (although there is no provision of review in the treaty), Indian officialdom maintains that any changes in the treaty will alter the status quo, thereby hurting Indian interests.
In the state banquet hosted in honor of the distinguished Nepalese guests at the Rastrapati Bhavan last Monday (June 24), President Narayanan quoted late Mahatma Gandhi and first Indian Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru saying that (Indian) policy has always been to see Nepal as an independent, modern, prosperous and peaceful country. “India attaches the highest importance to further develop its relations with Nepal in a spirit of equality, mutual respect and partnership,” said President Narayanan. “We remain committed to Nepal’s economic development and maintenance of peace, security and stability in the country.” While condemning the Maoist violence, the Indian President also lauded the role played by Nepalese monarchy in the democratic development of Nepal.
In his reply speech, King Gyanendra said an economically vibrant and prosperous India was an asset not only to Nepal but to the entire region as a whole. “Despite her own preoccupation, India has continued to be a valuable partner in Nepal’s development endeavors,” said King Gyanendra. His Majesty also appreciated the government of India for the solidarity and support in Nepal’s fight against terror.
Analysts do believe that peace and stability in Nepal is vital for the overall interests of India. The growing links of Nepalese Maoists with Maoist outfits in India is threat to the security of both countries, say officials. They also maintain that in the post-September 11 global scenario no radical outfit can justify its terrorist activities in the name of revolution or war.
“India seems to be realizing the fact that the insurgency in Nepal could spill over to its own territory,” said former Foreign Minister Shailendra Kumar Upadhyay. “While Nepal will be seeking assistance from India in fighting the insurgency, she should pay more attention to control the borders to check the activities of unwanted elements.”
Economic Cooperation
Besides the fight against terror, which will entail a huge investment of time and resources, Nepal and India have tremendous potential of furthering economic cooperation between them. At the luncheon meeting organized jointly by the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in honor of King Gyanendra at Hotel Taj Palace on June 25, former President of CII, Brij Mohan Lall, said there was a vast opportunity for Indian and foreign investors to invest in hydropower, tourism and food processing industries in Nepal.
FICCI President R. S. Lodha said with the Nepal government’s achievement in improving security, mood was picking up in India. He also pointed towards possibility of promoting sub-regional cooperation among India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan with the help of multilateral agencies like the Asian Development Bank.
Saying that India is the single largest investor and trade partner of Nepal, Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Purna Bahadur Khadka, assured that the Nepalese government would provide all the facilities and cooperation to Indian investors. President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Ravi Bhakta Shrestha said Nepal and India could gain win-win situation by intensifying economic cooperation.
The eight-member Nepalese business delegation accompanying His Majesty also lobbied hard to convince Indian officials about practical problems related to the implementation of the 1996 trade treaty renewed in March this year. India has slapped quota and duty restrictions on four items including vegetable ghee saying that they were hurting the interests of Indian industries. “In the aftermath of the royal visit, we are optimistic that India will sympathetically deal with our problems and help resolve the outstanding issues in the bilateral trade and transit,” said FNCCI spokesman Rajendra Khetan.
At a time when the 12-year-old democratic exercise in this Himalayan kingdom is passing through the most critical phase, King Gyanendra’s visit to India holds much greater significance, say analysts. The commitment of top Indian leadership to peace and stability in Nepal holds equal significance, which will take time to be reflected in the implementation level.
For Nepal, honoring India’s legitimate security concerns has always been high on the agenda. Over 45,000 Nepalese nationals serve in seven Gurkha regiments of the Indian Army under the 1947 treaty Nepal-Britain-India trilateral treaty. Sandwiched between two Asian giants, India and China, that are making tremendous economic progress, Nepal has no justification to continue as one of the Least Developed Countries of the world. But its dream for peace, stability and economic progress would be fulfilled only if there is peace and sense of security in the region. The significance of King Gyanendra’s visit to India, and then to China next week, could be seen in the form of Nepal’s quest to live as a dignified member in the comity of nations – of course, with the help of its neighbors.
“India Is A Valuable Partner In Nepal’s Development Endeavors”
— KING GYANENDRA
Relations between Nepal and India transcend the confines of customary treaties and diplomatic conventions. Both our peoples, since time immemorial, have drawn sustenance from the same philosophical fountain, shared the same cultural heritage and have been bound by the same ethos. As relationships are more important than rules, our engagement has a much greater depth of understanding and broader sweep of vision. The extensive interaction at the people-to-people level and contacts of leaders of both the countries have, over the years, contributed to strengthening the bonds that bind our two peoples together.
The Nepalese people have been keenly following India’s achievements in science, technology and industry as well as in social and cultural fields. We are happy at your accomplishments and wish you further success in realizing your potential in the days ahead. We believe that an economically vibrant and prosperous India is an asset not only to us but to our region as a whole. Despite her own pre-occupation, India has continued to be a valuable partner in Nepal’s development endeavors, especially in infrastructure building in such key areas as transport and communication, health, education and human resource development. On behalf of the people and government of Nepal, as well as on our own, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the people and Government of India for their generosity.
Nature has gifted Nepal abundant natural resources including a diverse flora and fauna. While tourism remains the mainstay of our economy, water resources has the potential to be our greatest asset. Nepal is willing to share these benefits with her neighbors. India, with her vast pool of technical manpower and expertise, can contribute significantly toward the development of industry, tourism and hydropower through investment in infrastructure and human resource development. I believe we should broaden the base of our cooperation to allow more space for private sector initiatives and people-to-people cooperation to achieve greater development and harmony. My government is prepared to extend all necessary assistance to industrialists, businessmen and entrepreneurs from India to invest in Nepal.
We believe the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) can be utilized as an effective means for the economic growth of our region. SAARC has been gradually emerging as a symbol of our regional identity. I am happy to recall that Nepal had the privilege of successfully hosting the 11th SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in January this year. The Kathmandu Summit has once again set in motion its mechanisms for undertaking cooperative endeavors at the regional level in South Asia.
Terrorism is indeed a deadly menace, because it kills innocent people and strikes at the very roots of civilized behavior as we have seen in the most blatant attacks of September 11 and December 13 last year. In recent years, Nepal too has been affiliated with this menace. Terrorists have launched a series of destructive and disruptive activities against society and at the very roots of democracy. My government has declared a state of emergency in the country and deployed armed forces in the interest of maintaining law and order and protecting the lives and liberty of the people. On behalf of the people and government of Nepal, I would like to take this occasion to express appreciation for the solidarity and support the Government of India has shown in our fight against terror.
(Excerpts of the reply speech delivered by HM the King at the state banquet hosted by President of India H. E. Mr. K. R. Narayanan and Mrs. Usha Narayanan.)
“We Want To See Nepal As An Independent, Modern, Prosperous And Peaceful Country”
— K. R. Narayanan
It is an honor to us that you have chosen India as the first country to visit after you have ascended the throne of Nepal. Monarchy is a unifying and integrating institution in Nepal. It is held in the highest regard and esteem by the people of India. We welcome its invaluable role in strengthening the close ties of friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries.
As a neigbbor and a close friend, we have been much distressed by the mindless violence unleashed by the Maoists in the pursuit of extremist ideologies. Violence can never be justified on any grounds whatsoever. India too has been a victim of terrorist violence. We believe that political aspirations can best be pursued peacefully, through the democratic process. Methods of terrorism endanger democratic and civilized society and retard social and economic development of a country. We are confident that through the joint efforts of all elements of the Nepalese polity, Nepal will be able to overcome the grave challenges posed to the country and will emerge as a stable and prosperous nation. India, of course, will continue to support the Government of Nepal for the steps taken by it to maintain peace and security in the country. Our policy always has been to see Nepal as an independent, modern, prosperous and peaceful country. As early as 1942, Mahatma Gandhi, the father of nation had categorically written that, “Nepal.. will be an honored and independent neighbor.” In 1946, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru wrote, that it was our desire that, “.. Nepal should be a strong, independent and progressive country.” We remain committed to the stand that we had undertaken more than five decades ago.
India attaches the highest importance to further develop its relations with Nepal in a spirit of equality, mutual respect and partnership. We remain committed to Nepal’s economic development and maintenance of peace, security and stability in the country. It is a matter of great satisfaction to us that the close, friendly and time-tested relations between the peoples of the two countries have been developing in all spheres. We have, over the decades, acquired unique experience in cooperating together for economic development of both bilaterally and within the framework of the SAARC. However, the potential of further cooperation is considerable. The sense of a shared destiny should be guided factor in our relations, and as Your Majesty is reported to have said recently, we should not let “past regrets and future fears” rob the opportunities of the present.