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Ranjit Rae served as the Indian Ambassador to Nepal from 2013 to 2017. In this period, Nepal witnessed some historic developments including drafting of a new constitution in 2015. In the aftermath, India imposed an economic blockade on Nepal when Rae was the ambassador.

Recently, Rae has published a new book titled ‘Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal ties’ that examines India’s perspectives on these developments, in the context of the civilizational and economic underpinnings of the India-Nepal relationship, as well as issues that continue to prevent this relationship from realizing its true potential. Kamal Dev Bhattarai talked to Rae over the phone.

Over the past few years Nepal has been pressing for the review of the 1950 Treaty on Peace and Friendship but India remains mum. Why?

Clearly, the 1950 treaty has become an irritant. Nepal is unhappy and wants a review of the treaty. For any treaty to be meaningful and effective, it must benefit both sides. As you are aware, the treaty is a fine balance between security and economy, or national interest treatment of the two countries. At the high political level, India has conveyed its readiness to review the treaty and consider any proposal Nepal presents. I am confident that two foreign secretaries can work out a revised text based on the changed global context, taking into account the interests and concerns of both the countries.

Also read: Maoist’s revival: Challenges galore 

How do you view China’s growing influence in Nepal?

As China’s strength and riches have increased, so has its influence and outreach all over the world, as well as in South Asia and Nepal. Following the Nepal visit of President Xi in November 2019, bilateral relationship between the two countries has been elevated to the strategic level, and not only between the two governments but also at party-to-party level. There has been a comprehensive upgradation of bilateral ties. Nepal today is a signatory to Chinese Belt and Road Initiatives, and it has reservations on the US sponsored Indo-Pacific Strategy, which it feels is aimed against China.

These developments are taking place in a troubled global and regional context where we see a growing contestation for influence between the United States and China. The relationship between India and China is also at low ebb. The fact that Nepal has been unable to endorse the US $500 million grant MCC project is another pointer to China’s growing influence. And a new China-led SAARC subgroup has set up a Poverty Alleviation Center. Clearly, these developments are significant and need to be monitored.

How do you see the future of Nepal-India ties?

There is no option but to strengthen India-Nepal ties. Our futures are intertwined; we must build upon solid civilizational bonds by stepping up our economic engagement through enhanced connectivity and stronger partnership. We should envision BBIN as an open interconnected and interdependent economic space where each country is able to exploit its comparative advantage to the fullest. Cooperation in hydropower is the surest way to strengthen the engagement. Recent decisions enabling Nepal to send its electricity to the Indian market as well as Bangladesh via India would go a long way towards meeting the objective.

'Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal ties' a book by Ranjit Rae

Let’s turn to your book. What motivated you to write ‘Kathmandu Dilemma’?

A couple of factors. First, I felt there were a lot of misperceptions and lack of awareness of each other and of the nuanced, multi-layer relationship between our two countries. I wanted to bring greater clarity and frankness in our mutual understanding. Second, I wanted to explain to the general public the logic of Indian policy towards Nepal, particularly India’s role in certain pivotal moments in Nepal’s contemporary political history. Third, I wanted to provide what I feel should be a template for our relationship for the future in a world that looks very different.

What are some of the important issues you deal with in your book?

The book is broadly divided into two sections. In the first part, I discuss the nature of Nepali nationalism. I see it in some detail and this is an undercurrent throughout the book. Thereafter, I examine India’s understanding, approach and role in two seminal developments of Nepali history, namely the peace process that ended the Maoist insurgency, and the constitution drafting process and its aftermath. 

In the second part of the book, I examine some key irritants such as the 1950 treaty and boundary issues. In addition, I look at main drivers of relationship, the civilizational linkages, and the economic dimension including humanitarian assistance and disaster relief during the earthquake. I also discuss the role of other countries, notably China in Nepal. I conclude with a chapter on the way forward.

These days, CPN (Maoist Center) is doing everything it can to bounce back in Nepali politics—either by training party cadres or by conducting massive membership distribution drives. Are they doing the right things to get back on the political stage? Also, why would the people join the Maoists rather than the Nepali Congress or the CPN-UML? There have also been discussions on finding a successor to even Prachanda, who often expresses his desire to unite all left-wing groups. Pratik Ghimire of ApEx talked to political analyst and Tribhuvan University lecturer Bishnu Dahal on the issue.

Is the revival of Maoists possible?

Politics is a game of possibilities, so we can’t close the door to any event in the future. But it is not a straightforward path for them to reach that destination.

What steps should the Maoists take to ensure their revival?

The progolonged disputes between China and India affect all surrounding nations—which make the Asian geopolitics always volatile. So, firstly, Maoist should clarify their stand in Asian and world politics. Their economic plans, foreign policy, stand on climate and environmental issues, and agenda for the betterment of the livelihood of Nepalis are the things that will matter in the coming days.

If they succeed in convincing the public that they are indeed in favor of progress and that their armed revolution led to the restructuring of the state, they might stand a chance to bounce back.

Are the Maoists different from the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML? How?

If we look at the historical background of the Nepali Congress, it claims to have gradually accustomed the people about democratic practices and developed the nation through an open economic policy.

Similarly, the CPN-UML advocated for a mixed economy with people’s participation in social development. But, the Maoists said the structure of the state was what was keeping us behind in development.

So, the Maoists’ view differed from that of other parties. But as of now, I find that all political parties are the same, it’s just that they have a different name and a logo.

Also read: JSPN fissures will benefit Nepali Congress 

The Maoists succeeded in implementing their agenda, but they focused on changing the ruler. They didn’t deal with the lifestyle of the masses—whose condition never changed, even when the state was restructured.

Nepali political parties could not establish a culture of competition. Rather, they opted to share power and resources through consensus.

Who do you think will lead Maoists after Prachanda?

We changed the structure of the country but not economic policy. A party only needs a new leader if it changes its policy. But Maoists have not done that.

So, whoever comes in Prachanda’s place, little will change. Yet, I find a quote from Baburam Bhattarai relatable in this scenario, “We have achieved the agenda set by the Maoist revolution, so there is no option but to dissolve this party and come up with newer progressive agendas.”

There is no place for a new leadership without new agendas. But, if you ask me about Prachanda’s successor, I see Janardan Sharma and a couple of others.

Do Maoists have the strength to unite all the left-wing groups in Nepal?

Prachanda has the potential to either unite or break other communists’ groups, but what matters here is, can he prove the necessity of such unification? I don’t think so. 

H.E. Nicola Pollitt, Ambassador of UK to Nepal

What was your first impression of Nepal when you landed here as the British ambassador? 

I first visited Nepal in 1999. One of my most vivid memories from that time was the mass of rickshaws on Kathmandu’s roads. “No rickshaws?” I asked myself, as I walked out of the airport to a mass of cars, taxis and buses. I arrived in 2019 with my two small children so watching their reactions to the peaks of the Himalayas as we landed in the warm sunshine from the UK’s cold grey November was fun too. 

What are the similarities between Nepal and the UK? 

The age and strength of our relationship means we naturally have a lot in common despite our different histories and geographies. The Gurkhas are the most obvious symbol of this, but so too the British love of mountains, and our vibrant charity sectors. I see that desire to help and support others everywhere I go in Nepal and I know there are also many Brits who have made Nepal their home, helping it in a variety of ways. Our rich history and love of culture and the arts also runs deep through both nations.

What are the three milestones you feel you have achieved as the UK’s ambassador to Nepal? 

More ‘work in progress’ than milestones at this stage, but before I leave I hope to have inspired some young Nepali women to take on leadership roles. I’ve just launched a mentoring scheme, with other female Ambassadors and Heads of Agency. Please encourage young women to apply! 

In the run up to COP26 in the UK, I’ve been keen to get Nepal talking about climate change and to contribute to that conversation. It was good to see widespread coverage in the Nepali media last week. I’ve also just launched a series of podcasts (links on our social media sites). Do have a listen! 

How are the people-to-people relations between Nepal and your country and how can the relationship be further enhanced? 

People to people relations are deep and long-lasting, and always will be. There are hundreds of thousands of Nepalis in the UK and they make a big contribution to life there. I am looking forward to seeing British tourists return to Nepal, as Covid stabilizes, and taking home tales of beautiful mountains and rare wildlife. Many Nepali students choose to study at the UK’s world class universities, building lasting relationships and memories of the UK. Our Chevening Scholarships support these ties. 

What do you like the most about Nepal? 

Too tough to choose! Can I have a top three? They would be: the people, the mountains and the variety of Nepali culture and history. 

Where do you think Nepal as a country should improve? 

Climate Change is top of my mind at the moment and Nepal has huge potential in this area. It’s a win-win for Nepal with the opportunities for jobs, investment and leadership in green energy and green growth. 

Is there anything you have planned but are yet to achieve in Nepal? 

So many things I have yet to achieve. Much has been impossible over the 18 months due to covid and it’s great to see things opening up again. I want to travel to every province (one to go). I want to climb a 6,000m peak and I want to know and understand so much more about Nepal than I do.

Personal Message

It’s a great privilege to be the British Ambassador to Nepal. UK-Nepal relations date from 1816 so I’m the 48th UK Representative here and the first woman, which makes it particularly exciting. My time here has of course been colored by Covid, and like many others, the past two years have involved separation from my family and periods away from my job or shut at home. But I’m pleased we’ve been able to offer support to Nepal through Covid, pivoting most of our programming to support communities to tackle the virus, and now with the second wave past, it’s good to see the suffering declining and life resuming. Here’s to an even closer partnership over the next two years.

Quick Questions

Favorite Nepali food: Momos
Favorite place in Nepal: Impossible to choose and not seen enough! 
Favorite Nepali song: I’m still trying to learn the Nepali national anthem… 
Favorite trek in Nepal: So far, Khumbu region up to Tengboche. More to try. 
Favorite season in Nepal: Autumn 
Favorite Nepali festival: Dashain

H.E. Elisabeth von Capeller, Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal

What was your first impression when you landed here as the Swiss ambassador? 

As it is my second posting, I was happy to be back in Kathmandu as an Ambassador. When I landed, I immediately felt at home. 

What are the similarities between Nepal and Switzerland? 

Nepal and Switzerland have much in common yet are unique in their individual experience that connects us. The most obvious similarity is the mountains, nature, and that we are landlocked countries. 

The mountainous landscape is also similar, but Switzerland is domesticated with access to cable cars, etc whereas in Nepal it is still pure nature. The political reality is also similar as we are both federal countries and not to forget the diversity both countries have, which adds richness. 

What are the three milestones you feel you have achieved as Switzerland’s Ambassador to Nepal?

- Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises to survive and sustain during the COVID-19 pandemic through our programs.

 - During the pandemic, we could support the people of Nepal quickly with ventilators, oxygen concentrators, testing kits, and now we are doing so with the vaccines through the COVAX facility. 

- Promoting young people and dynamic people in the organization has also been quite a milestone.

How are the people-to-people relations between Nepal and Switzerland and how can they be further enhanced? 

Switzerland and Nepal share a very strong relationship. Many Swiss citizens have come to Nepal to travel and there was huge Swiss solidarity shown during the 2015 earthquake, which was also seen during the pandemic. 

It was not only the Swiss government who supported but private people also showed their support. I hope more people from Switzerland visit Nepal as tourists in the future. 

We would like to have more Swiss business engagement in Nepal to bring jobs, innovation, and expertise, developing closer business relations and exchanges together in the future. 

What do you like the most about Nepal? 

The people, as I feel connected with the people here in Nepal. 

Where do you think Nepal as a country should improve?

- Implementation of the constitution, which will allow diversity and help reduce poverty as well as economic development. 

- Nepal should have a sustainable tourism strategy. 

- Nepal should have more organized town planning given the rapid development that is taking place. 

- To be sensitive towards their cultural heritage such as houses and preserve them. 

Is there anything you have planned but yet to achieve? 

- Trekking in Upper Dolpa 

- To support the young people returning to Nepal through certain initiatives such as by may be supporting them to build their enterprises, etc. 

Personal Message

2021 has been a challenging year for all of us. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a heavy toll on Nepal and the global community, throwing us all in an extraordinary situation. In difficult times like these, we yet again learn how important solidarity and cooperation is, to know that we are together and can help each other overcome the crisis. 

With 62 years of close and cordial relationship between Switzerland and Nepal, we are proud to have stood in solidarity with the people of Nepal during these trying times. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to you all who have been supporting our work and following Swiss diplomatic efforts. 

Let me also extend to you and your family a Happy Tihar and Chaat to all who are celebrating! 

Quick Questions

Favorite Nepali food: Newari food and Maithali food.
Favorite place in Nepal: Patan.
Favorite Nepali song: I like all kinds of Nepali melodies, I cannot decide as I like many.
Favorite trek in Nepal: I have enjoyed all the treks I have done in Nepal so far. The ones I have strong memories of are: Mundum Trail, Lo Manthang, and Tsum Valley. 
Favorite season in Nepal: All seasons are my favorite besides winter.
Favorite Nepali festival: Nepal is extremely rich in festivals and I like the diversity which makes this country so special.