In an effort to strengthen neighbourhood diplomacy, Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is visiting India for three days June 9-11, to attend Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inaugural for his third term. \Modi’s bid for a third consecutive term presents a rare chance to strengthen this bond and benefit Nepal. Ties have greatly expanded, particularly in the areas of commerce, transshipment, transit, tourism, connectivity, and government-to-government relationships.

Shortly after the results were announced on Tuesday, Dahal congratulated Modi on winning the election. After Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party won 240 seats in the 543-member lower house, Dahal took to X to “note the successful completion of the world’s largest democratic exercise with the enthusiastic participation of the people of India.” Additionally, the prime minister and Modi spoke over the phone, highlighting their mutual respect and good relationship.

Dahal’s visit to India should strengthen the relationship and elevate the Nepal-Indian bond by clearing up misconceptions on a few issues. Given the disagreements lately over some important bilateral issues, including the border, the revision of the friendship treaty and the perceived slowdown in the recruitment of Gurkhas in the Indian Army, lack of regionalism in South Asia, and the geopolitical unpredictability of the region, Prachanda’s visit presents a chance for both leaders to clear up misunderstandings and promote regional stability.

Significance of the visit

His visit serves as a reminder of two things: first, how crucial it is for Nepal to establish strong diplomatic relations with India; and, second, how India sees Nepal as a good neighbour with strong social, cultural and religious ties. The only Indian prime minister to visit Nepal five times, Modi will certainly seek to firm up ties with a neighbour that is strategically placed geographically between the two Asian giants, India and China. 

Geographical, historical, cultural, and economic ties, along with centuries-old relationships between people, are significant features of the relationship. But even more than emphasizing the close ties, Prachanda’s prompt acceptance of the invitation to Delhi for Modi’s inauguration for a third term in power revived the notion of an India-Nepal community united by shared aspirations for progress and prosperity.

There are numerous chances for India and Nepal to strengthen their relationship, especially since PM Modi and PM Prachanda have pledged to continue working together to fortify the two countries’ long-standing and close ties. The two leaders have conveyed their intention to enhance their relationship in every aspect, including infrastructure, connectivity, energy security, and digital links, besides economic and development alliances.

‘Neighbourhood first’ policy of Modi

The “Neighbourhood First” policy of Modi’s election campaign, which is also emphasized in the BJP manifesto for the 2024 election, reiterates India’s dedication to fortifying ties with its neighbours, including Nepal. Together with the observable gains in trade, energy, connectivity, defence, and cultural exchanges, Delhi and Kathmandu have a great foundation to lay a solid basis for future collaboration.

The two administrations should collaborate closely to maintain the current attempts to promote cross-border hydroelectricity diplomacy, more cross-border economic engagements, and regional connectivity like BBIN, cross-border pipelines, integrated checkposts, railways, roads, and digital connectivity. The tri-nation hydroelectricity corridor between India, Nepal, and Bangladesh is likely to gain momentum. Given that Modi has pushed for “Neighborhood First” in his interactions with South Asian countries, India’s collaboration with Nepal will be essential to the revival of the SAARC mechanism and the advancement of regionalism in South Asia.

The interests of both nations are served by a strong and stable relationship that fosters prosperity and peace on a local and regional level. The dynamic relationship that exists ought to keep growing. As long as they accomplish their shared goals, both administrations should maintain friendly relations which are so essential to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

(The author is an independent columnist based in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Views are personal. He can be contacted at ibrahimkhalilahasan@gmail.com)