Q. "India and Nepal have South Asia's unusual relations in Geography and society with an open border." In this context elaborate on various...

2026-08-27T05:47:28.853Z

Question

Q. "India and Nepal have South Asia's unusual relations in Geography and society with an open border." In this context elaborate on various initiatives taken to strengthen the India-Nepal relations. (10 marks 150 Words)

Model Answer

Paper

GS II

Subject

International Relations

Syllabus as Per Notification

India and its Neighbourhood- Relations.

Topic

India-Nepal Relations

Approach:

Introduction

Introduce by highlighting India–Nepal unique open-border, civilisational and societal relationship and link it to the emerging need for economic integration and technological connectivity.

Body

Briefly explain on why are India–Nepal relations unusual with relevant examples

Initiatives to Strengthen India–Nepal Relations

Connectivity-led Economic Integration, Energy Partnership centred on Hydropower, Trade, Transit and Investment, Digital & Technological Connectivity, Development & People-centric Cooperation, Security Cooperation & Diplomatic Engagement, Institutional Mechanisms & Faster Implementation.

Conclusion

Conclude by emphasising “Two Hands, Ten Fingers” approach through economic integration backed by technological cooperation to give India-Nepal partnership renewed momentum.

Introduction

India and Nepal share unique relationship shaped by geography, an open border and deep societal ties, making their engagement more than conventional state-to-state diplomacy. As Nepal prepares for LDC graduation, India–Nepal cooperation can focus on economic integration and technological connectivity, while addressing concerns of dependence, security and implementation through sustained trust and dialogue.

Body

Why are India–Nepal relations unusual?

Most bilateral relations are largely defined by state-centric treaties, trade and diplomacy, whereas India–Nepal ties are multi-layered, combining civilisational intimacy, societal integration, economic interdependence and shared ecological linkages.

Institutionalised Open Border

India–Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, 1950 provides foundation for free movement and reciprocal privileges, making cross-border mobility integral to everyday social and economic life.

Deep Civilisational & Societal Linkages (“Roti-Beti” ties)

Shared Hindu-Buddhist heritage, religious circuits and kinship/marriage ties create a relationship that extends beyond conventional state-to-state diplomacy.

Economic & Transit Interdependence

Nepal landlocked geography creates strong economic dependence on Indian transit and markets, facilitated by the Treaty of Trade and Treaty of Transit (Latest revision in 2023).

Shared Rivers & Himalayan Ecology

Common river systems create interdependence in hydropower, irrigation and flood management, institutionalised through Kosi Agreement (1954), Gandak Agreement (1959) and Mahakali Treaty (1996).

Initiatives to Strengthen India–Nepal Relations

Connectivity-led Economic Integration

India expanded cross-border railways, roads, Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and petroleum pipelines to facilitate movement of people and goods and improve Nepal’s access to regional markets.

Example:Jayanagar–Kurtha railway, Raxaul–Birgunj ICP, Motihari–Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline and ongoing work on the Raxaul–Kathmandu railway link.

Energy Partnership centred on Hydropower

Both countries are deepening cooperation in hydropower, transmission and electricity trade, enabling Nepal to monetise its potential while supporting India’s energy security.

Example:Arun-3 Project, Dhalkebar–Muzaffarpur transmission line and 10,000 MW Long-Term Power Trade Agreement.

Trade, Transit and Investment (Supporting Nepal’s LDC Transition)

India can enhance stable trade rules, secure supply chains, smoother investment processes and market access, while supporting Nepal’s transition beyond LDC status.

Example: Access to Indian ports for third-country trade, bilateral trade arrangements and balanced-equity joint ventures.

Digital & Technological Connectivity

India is expanding digital, AI and technology partnerships to complement physical connectivity and deepen economic integration.

Example:UPI–Nepal NPI (National Payments Interface) P2P linkage, Bhashini–Kathmandu University language platform and India–Nepal Startup Partnership Network (IN-SPAN) linkage.

Development & People-centric Cooperation

India’s development partnership in health, education, infrastructure and reconstruction strengthens grassroots-level ties and mutual goodwill.

Example: Post-2015 earthquake reconstruction, Operation Maitri and recent 8 Developmental initiatives worth NPR 803 million under High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP) Framework.

Security Cooperation & Diplomatic Engagement

India and Nepal are strengthening border security and defence cooperation while preserving legitimate cross-border movement and addressing sensitive issues through dialogue.

Examples: Joint Working Group on Border Management, Gorkha Military ties, Surya Kiran exercises, and dialogue on Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura.

Institutional Mechanisms & Faster Implementation

Existing 40+ bilateral mechanisms provide framework for cooperation, while renewed political engagement and project execution can overcome “death by process” and rebuild mutual trust.

Example:Nepal PM Balendra Shah stressed for enhancing Nepal historic relationship with India and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, signals renewed political engagement.

Conclusion

India and Nepal need a fresh compact based on mutual confidence, equality and respect for sovereignty. The “Two Hands, Ten Fingers” approach, economic integration backed by technological cooperation can give this partnership renewed momentum. By being sensitive to each other’s concerns and ensuring faster implementation, the two countries can transform their unique open-border relationship into a durable partnership for shared prosperity and regional stability.