"Strategic Himalayas" a book written by Nihar. H. Nayak, tries to explore the nature of Nepal's engagement by discussing its strategic significance in regional power politics.
This book reflects the inner polity of Nepal, the transition period from constitutional monarchy to republic system since 2006. The book covers six major chapters that explain Nepal's relationship with Major Powers like U.S, India and China.
Nepal's foreign policy was amalgamated since 2006, following an equidistant policy. It also speaks about the Indo-Nepal relations India is trying to maintain its sphere of influence.
India's contribution towards Nepal's economic and infrastructural development is exemplary.
U.S., China, Pakistan and India's presence in Nepal has been highlighted in the book. The major finding of the book is that despite the presence of major powers in Nepal; geography will determine its relations with the neighboring countries.
"This book was released last week. The book talks about what are the external powers influences Nepal, since the political transition in Nepal since 2006 onwards. This book does not cover historical part of these major powers engagement with Nepal, basically focused from 2006 onwards" said, Nihar H Nayak (Associate Fellow, IDSA)
More From This Section
Nepal has remained a strategic location for big powers since the Cold War. It has always figured prominently in the regional power politics centered on the Himalayan region.
"The Indo-Nepal relationship started from joint statement and bilateral relations. They have always said that they have very historical relationship, there are strong cultural linkages. India has been helping infrastructure development other economic support to Nepal since 1950, it is there", said Nayak.
Nepal understands that India could take care of both its economic development and security concerns more effectively than any other country.
"Our Prime Minister has already indicated that will focus on neighborhood policy and Nepal is in the list and our foreign Minister will be visiting may be this month followed by Prime Minister Visit. This would be a historical visit for our Prime Minister because our last Prime Minister visited 15 years back," said Nayak
India believes that all its neighbours, big or small are crucial for its economic growth and stability. As in the case of any other country, "India's foreign policy too is "dedicated to the furtherance of its national security and developmental priorities in a globalised and interdependent world, a peaceful, secure and stable neighbourhood making its neighbours stakeholders in India's growth by linking them to the larger Indian economy.
India has been consistently providing economic assistance, Infrastructure, Education and Health support towards Nepal's national development since 1951. (ANI)
.