Kathmandu-Beijing Partnership Ushers in a New Era in South Asian Geopolitics
Kathmandu, Nepal: In a significant geopolitical development, Nepal has formally joined China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), marking a new chapter in Kathmandu-Beijing relations. The agreement was signed during Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's official visit to China, cementing Nepal's alignment with President Xi Jinping's flagship initiative.
Although Nepal and China had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2017 to join the BRI, the initiative had remained dormant until now. The formal activation of the agreement during Oli's visit has triggered concerns in New Delhi, highlighting potential regional implications.
During his visit, Prime Minister Oli met Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss a range of topics, including connectivity, industrial development, infrastructure, trade, and tourism. He also held bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to strengthen ties further.
India’s Concerns
Nepal’s move to deepen its cooperation with China poses strategic challenges for India. The BRI is widely regarded as a tool to expand China's global influence. Nepal, traditionally seen as part of India’s strategic sphere of influence, aligning more closely with Beijing could alter the region’s geopolitical balance.
Experts suggest that Nepal's inclusion in the BRI will significantly improve infrastructure along the China-Nepal border, a development that may raise security concerns for India. Additionally, the increasing economic and strategic influence of China in Nepal could impact the historically close ties between India and Nepal.
Prime Minister Oli’s four-day visit to China concludes today, but its effects are already being felt across South Asia. As Kathmandu and Beijing strengthen their partnership, the move has become a focal point of regional and international discourse, potentially reshaping South Asia's geopolitical landscape.
