On Wednesday, General Manoj Mukund Naravane will commence his three-day visit to Nepal, wherein he will be meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in his capacity as a defence minister. During a traditional investiture ceremony, the Indian army chief will be awarded the title of Honorary Chief of Nepal Army by President Bidya Devi Bhandari. During the meeting, reports say that Oli will discuss his intention to restart work on the Panchewar multi-purpose project, along with other bilateral hydro-electric projects.
General Naravane’s visit to Nepal marks a significant positive step in reviving the India-Nepal friendship. The dispute between the two countries has been going on for some time now and was solidified when the Nepali Parliament put forth a redrawn map that depicted Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhur as Nepali territory. This was allegedly in response to India’s inauguration of a road that connects the Lipulekh Pass and Dharchula. The two sides’ relationship has also been worsened by the growing influence of China in Nepal’s economic and political affairs. Further, Oli’s recent anti-India stance has led to destabilisation within his political party, with growing calls for his resignation.
Last month, in what was viewed as a positive step towards reviving relations with India, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had reshuffled his cabinet and replaced Ishwar Pokhrel, one of India’s key critics in Nepalese administration, from his position as the country’s Defence Minister. After the twelfth cabinet reshuffle since the beginning of his tenure in February 2018, Oli now holds the post himself.
According to an official from the Indian Mission in Nepal, General Naravane will offer “medicines and other medical equipment” to help with the surge in COVID-19 cases in Nepal. He said that this is indicative of India’s commitment to assist its neighbours during the current health emergency.
If the meeting is a success, India and Nepal are likely to convene for a dialogue of the Boundary Working Group (BWG) to hold talks on issues related to the border. The BWG will discuss issues like pillar construction and repair in areas where the two sides have mutually agreed on strip maps. As the map for the disputed regions has not been agreed to, the Lipukesh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhur issue is not going to be raised during the dialogue. To discuss these issues, a foreign secretary-level mechanism will have to be convened.
As Indian Army Chief General MM Naravane Visits Nepal, India Looks to Reset Ties
If the meeting is a success, India and Nepal are likely to convene for a dialogue of the Boundary Working Group (BWG) to hold talks on issues related to the border.
November 4, 2020
SOURCE: NAVBHARAT TIMES