Courtesy: Ministry of External Affairs, India
The recently concluded BIMSTEC summit is now a regional intergovernmental organization with a formal charter, giving it a clear mission and legality and a destiny linked to South and South East Asia. It is now better equipped to accelerate economic development for the fifth of the world’s population, which contributes only 4% of global GDP.
Courtesy: Gateway House
Nepal has historically enjoyed close economic ties with India. An open border and the large number of Nepalis in the Indian army testify to the two countries’ economic and social proximity. But as with other countries in India’s neighbourhood, Chinese investment is leading Nepal to tilt towards China.
Courtesy: Wikipedia/ Gateway House
Nepal, currently one of the 21st century’s important locations in Asia, has to safeguard itself by its own initiative, not rely on guarantees from external actors. The authors, one of whom is a former minister of the country, suggest that a changed world order calls for more modern security forces and an independent defense policy
Courtesy: Wikipedia
India’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj is in Nepal this week in line with the government’s commitment to prioritise ties with neighbours. Ties between India and Nepal have not been smooth with Nepal seeking a review of the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed between the two countries
Courtesy: Indian Embassy Thimphu
India’s long-term positive relationship with Bhutan is underpinned by hydropower: India helped develop Bhutan’s power projects and we purchase the surplus energy.The India-Bhutan relationship can be a model for improving links with Nepal which is trying to develop at least three projects jointly with India