Nepal-India ties:
Strangers or acquaintances do not have issues of problems to resolve

-Dev Mukherjee,

May I at the outset express my profound appreciation for the opportunity and honor accorded to me to address this exclusive gathering. The task you have given me is not easy. Because of the many linkages, both historical and contemporary, that exist between our two countries, the sheer volume of constant interaction that prevails, it is unavoidably difficult perhaps for both of us to see our relations through the prism of perspective and detachment. Defining the core of Nepal-India relations could also be a matter of opinion, but I would like to quote from the speech of His Majesty King Birendra Bikram Shah Dev at the banquet hosted in honor by President K.R.Narayanan in January 1999.

" Relations between Nepal and India are nurtured and enriched by the noble ideals, values and principles that are common to our cultural heritage. People as inheritors of these valued traditions provide continuity, infusing timelessness in our relationship. The extensive interaction and contacts that exist between our countries at the people-to-people level have helped to foster deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s aspirations. In other words, securely founded, the bonds that tie our two peoples are barely touched by the vicissitudes nations go through over time."

It is thus difficult to pinpoint or analyse in a purely theoretical framework specific driving forces that influence our relations. It is believed by some, and surely with reason, that there could justifiably and even naturally exist dichotomies between relations among peoples and relations between States. One could represent human interaction as reflecting traditional, cultural or day-to-day needs and compulsions, while the other may lay greater emphasis on security and long-term interests of the State. There are other such instances of dichotomy. A balance perhaps needs to be struck. Surely also, in the final analysis, the State has to serve the people.

Referring to several agreements between Nepal and India over the past few years, Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh said in Kathmandu last year, "One of the lessons we have learnt in concluding these landmark agreements is to be aware of each other’s sensitivities…In the new millennium, let us pledge that we will be mindful of each other’s legitimate concerns. Yet, at the same time, we will not permit misperceptions and misapprehensions to impede progress and economic development in areas of mutual benefit to both countries."

Both the stated and the implied contents of the Indian Foreign Minister’s remarks could contain the key to the progress in Nepal-India State-to-State relations in the coming years. India must have an abiding stake in the welfare and development of Nepal. Similarly, for Nepal too, it would appear to be of importance to maintain and develop a stable and cooperative framework of relations with India. These are conclusions based not on emotions but on self-interest.

One of the problems in Nepal-India relations is, of course, the occasional glitch, for both real and perceived reasons, which occur from time to time. These are unavoidable in a relationship of such complex diversity. What is essential that these be resolved in a spirit of mutual understanding. Nothing less is called for given our inter-dependence and stake in each other’s welfare. We need to be confident in the confidence each must have in the other to meet tomorrow’s challenges.

This, I believe was reflected in the statements made during last summer’s visit by Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister to India. Prime Minister Vajpayee said, "Our nations have now to work together a find a new idea to overcome the challenge of under-development. Vast improvements in the socio-economic infrastructure and up-gradation of the human resources in our two countries are necessary to enable us to meet the challenge. In the 21st century, it is essential that our two countries focus together on a forward looking and constructive agenda of accelerating economic development for the benefit of our peoples."’ Prime Minister Koirala said "adaptability to the demands of changing times has always been the hallmark of our relationship" and continued "as we enter the new millennium, it is time that we should also embark upon a new era of partnership, cooperative prosperity and an enhanced level of mutual trust, respect and understanding, which takes care of the long-term interests of both the countries". The sentiments of the two Prime Ministers find expression in the joint statement, that "’ The institutional mechanisms for dialogue and interaction in existence over the past 50 years be reviewed and rationalized in the context of the new millennium to set the tone for mature relations and cooperation in the decades ahead."

Let me now turn to some issues of vital concern to India which influence our foreign policy. We have just left behind a century of technological achievements that would have appeared to belong to the realm of science fiction or wild fantasy not too long ago. Also, unfortunately, it has been a century when man’s inhumanity to man has reached new nadirs. The challenge before India, as indeed before all nations is to harness the advances of science and technology for the benefit of peoples. Since about the middle of the last century, when the voices of the developing world began to be heard, one of its major concerns has been to provide to disadvantaged citizens the minimum consistent with human dignity. That effort continues, both in our internal policies and in concert with others in global for a. Meanwhile, together with rest of the world we are faced with the challenges and opportunities of globalisation. I will quote from PM Vajpayee’s address at the Millenium Summit at the UN.

"Globalization was supposed to deliver economic equality among all nations through free flow of goods, services and capital. The reality we see today is an asymmetry in the benefits from globalization between the developing and developed worlds. This asymmetry has further accentuated income disparities, thus increasing the scope of conflict and strife. If one in four of the world’s people live in severe poverty, there is something wrong somewhere in the manner in which we have been managing global development issues…. Therefore, removing economic inequality, both between and within nations, and ensuring that development does not suffer for want of funds, are two of the challenges that we have to collectively meet in the new century."

As a continuing target, India is deeply concerned about unchecked international terrorism. We would like to see concerted global action to end this scourge against civilized norms of international conduct. The issue has been highlighted in recent summit meetings, notably between India and the United States and Russia, and we are happy at the growing concerns on the issue. Meanwhile, India will take all steps necessary to protect its citizens.

As always, India places the highest priority in forging close links with her neighbors. I need hardly elaborate on the several significant agreements concluded with Nepal of which the distinguished audience will be aware. When implemented, the Mahakali Treaty will demonstrate to both countries the benefits of cooperation and inter-dependence. The benefits of the Trade and Transit agreements are already visible. The visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to India led to the identification of all pending issues which need to be looked at by both sides and time frames have been set for their resolution or consideration. Earlier, the High Level Task Force on Economic Cooperation had met to review the progress in different agreed areas of cooperation and to determine future areas of activity.

Relations with B’desh have progressed steadily in a positive direction. The most important achievement has, of course, been the conclusion of the Ganga Waters Treaty. There is movement in the areas of trade and communications. With Sri Lanka also there has been the significant agreement on arriving at a Free Trade Arrangement in a phased manner. India’s continuing involvement in Bhutan’s development activities, notably in the area of hydroelectric generation has been acknowledged as beneficial to both.

India remains committed to the ideals of SAARC as would be seen by the role played by her in different SAARC related activities. And, in particular, the wide-ranging concessions offered by India under SAPTA.

In the past year there have been some significant interactions between India and major international institutions and countries, which may have a bearing beyond the present.

Prime Minister Vajpayee traveled to Lisbon to participate in the first Summit between the EU and India giving a new dimension to the existing close relations between India and both EU and its member States. It was decided that such Summits would be held annually in India and the concerned EU capitals. The joint declaration after the Summit reflected the commonality in views between India and the EU in a number of areas.

The past year has seen exchange of visits by the President of USA and Prime Minister of India. The outcome of these visits underlined the shared views and interests of both on a range of bilateral and international issues. A comprehensive vision statement issued during President Clinton’s visit sought to lay out a charter for Indo-US Cooperation in the coming years. Acknowledging that in the past, Indo-US relationship has drifted at times without a steady course, there was a realization that it was time to chart a new and purposeful direction in our relationship. India and United States would be partners in peace with a common interest in and responsibility for ensuring regional and international security. The statement dwelt on the need for consultations, economy and technology and the objectives ranged from the fight against terrorism to sustaining stability and growth in the global economy. Vajpayee’s return visit later in the year served to emphasize the new momentum in Indo-US bilateral relations and their commitment, inter-alia, to stability in all spheres. The year thus may be said to have seen beginnings in Indo-US relations, or perhaps affirmation of trends visible for some time. The two countries were candid in expressing differences of perception on some issues, while forthright in their commitment to forging efforts to reach shared objectives.

Indo-Soviet friendship has stood the test of time. President Putin’s visit last month reaffirmed the continuing affinity between Moscow and Delhi even in the changed global scenario after the end of the cold war. Speaking on the occasion of Putin’s address to the joint Houses of Parliament, Vajpayee said, "’our friendship is not based on short-term calculations, but transcends the twists and turns of history and politics…. The views of both India and Russian Federation overlap and intersect on a wide range of international issues…. Based on mutuality of interests and shared perceptions". The New Delhi Declaration on strategic partnership between India and Russia went into all aspects of inter-State relationship and sought, inter alia, enhanced cooperation to combat terrorism.

The President of India paid a State visit to China marking another important step in the steady growth of bilateral relations between China and India. Forward impetus to Sin-India relations was further provided by the Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan’s subsequent visit to India.

At a personal level, may I say that I am delighted to serve in Nepal. While I recognize that there are issues which require attention and resolution, I also believe that this can be achieved with a positive approach and in a spirit of mutual accommodation. Strangers or acquaintances do not have issues or problems to resolve. Close neighbors are bound to. I believe that it would be important to approach such differences as may arise from time to time both with transparency and all the goodwill which good neighborly relations require. Nor should we be unmindful of the vast reservoir of popular goodwill that exists and the infinite number of positive daily interactions that go on. And, of course, the future of Nepal-India relations must rest heavily on economic cooperation and the creation of greater economic linkages. These would not be essentially the responsibility of the Governments but of private entrepreneurs. Governments must remain facilitators.

At times, even close neighbors and friends need to remember that all relationships require constant nurturing. I believe that Nepal-India relations are deeply rooted in mutual interest and welfare. I am confident that both of us will strive to nurture this relationship.

(Speech delivered by the author at a Nepal Council of World Affairs program held on 14 November 2000. Text courtesy: NCWA, Kathmandu-Chief Editor).

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