The Light's Turned Red

Manoj Dahal May 12, 2008 00:00 IST The Light's Turned Red -0001-11-30T00:00:00+05:53

Why The Wariness?

• India behaves like a big brother and has established an unequal relationship with Nepal
  
• No arms can be purchased without India's consent.
  
• India gets priority in industrial projects, subject to cost consideration
  
• Interferes in domestic politics, plays the kingmaker
  
• Nepal's trade too is dependent on India

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From the time democracy was reinstated in Nepal in 1991, competitive anti-India rhetoric had been among its defining features. Yet all the sound and fury generated during election campaigns failed to redefine Indo-Nepal bilateral relations or undermine New Delhi's traditionally dominant position in Kathmandu. And though the recent Constituent Assembly (CA) election was devoid of political players spitting venom against India, its outcome could now ironically lead to a review of the existing ties between the two countries. For, at the helm of the new coalition government will be the Maoists whose...