Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s visit to Nepal has been the most important step in turning around India-Nepal ties in two decades of Nepal?s political neglect by New Delhi, for 17 years of which no Indian prime minister had made the trip to Kathmandu. Preceded by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj?s visit last month, Modi appears to have touched Nepali society beyond the high table of bilateral dialogue and deals. Blamed partly on India?s miscommunication and Nepal?s fear of Indian intent, the bilateral relationship had been confined to the bureaucratic level for too long. Modi?s visit, which appears to have got both its optics and substance right, signalled not only an elevation of the status of the relationship but also the promise of delivery.
Beginning with the extension of a $1billion credit line to Nepal, Modi?s affirmation of work commencing within a year on the 5,600MW Pancheshwar project?stalled for 18 years?ties in with the hope for a changed approach from Delhi generated in the run-up to the visit. In fact, bureaucratic and intelligence hindrances have been responsible for India?s terrible record on project implementation in Nepal that has only added to Beijing?s heightened stature in the nascent republic. Modi?s real challenge in Nepal, however, is not China, but India?s battered reputation. That is why he can draw satisfaction from the dividend his personal touch may reap?from the commencement of his legislative address in Nepali, through the photo-op with his ?godson? Jeet?s family, to the visit to the Pashupatinath temple. But nothing signifies a recasting of bilateral ties more than Modi?s offer of revising the 1950 friendship treaty, with a new emphasis on sovereign equality between Delhi and Kathmandu. The vision for shared development and prosperity that the PM put forth addresses the areas earmarked for cooperation?trans-border connectivity, border infrastructure, tourism, hydel power and agriculture?all of which matter to the quality of life for ordinary people across the open border.
Modi?s dispelling of the fear that India might interfere in Nepal?s choice of political direction?more precisely, a reversal of the path the country has been on since 2006, with the perceived closeness of pro-monarchy parties to the BJP and its affiliates?and instead his firm endorsement of an ?inclusive, federal, democratic republic?, while commending Nepal for choosing peace over war, was an unequivocal message to Nepal?s political class. The onus is now on these leaders to deliver a constitution that would help build a new Nepal. As for Modi and his government, the test begins now. They must not only remember the promises made to Nepal but also deliver.
