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Nepal is a small, landlocked country situated between two of the world’s most populous countries, India and China. Nepal had been ruled by a monarchy for centuries, but in 2008, it was declared a federal democratic republic after a decade-long civil war. Since then, Nepal’s relationship with its two powerful neighbors has been a subject of much analysis and discussion. Also the country has been trying to find its place in the regional geopolitical scheme. Nepal’s international relations are largely based on its neighboring countries. India is Nepal’s main trading partner, with most of its exports and imports coming through Indian ports. Despite close ties between Nepal and its bigger neighbors, the country has sought to maintain a foreign policy of equidistance from both India and China. This policy has gained more traction in recent years. This strong economic bond has been further strengthened by centuries-old cultural ties and shared religion. Moreover, New Delhi provides Kathmandu with generous financial assistance for economic development projects.  Historically, Nepal maintained close associations with India and China due to geographical proximity, which meant that they were both key trading partners. But during the monarchy period, China and India both sought to gain geopolitical influence over Nepal. This rivalry between the two nations was a source of tension for the Nepali government, as both countries influenced Nepal’s economy, foreign policies, and overall development.  India and Nepal share a long border of over 1,850 km, and the two countries have a long history of cultural and economic ties. India is Nepal’s largest trading partner, and Nepal relies heavily on India for its supply of essential goods such as fuel and medicine. Nevertheless, since becoming a republic, Nepal’s ties with both India and China have rapidly improved. Nepal and India share an open border, allowing for the free passage of goods and people, while Nepal and China signed an agreement in 2016 to cooperate on a range of issues, including infrastructure and trade. Nepal also participates in major regional organizations like the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation.  However, the relationship between the two countries has been strained in recent years due to various issues, including border disputes, the alleged interference of India in Nepal's internal affairs, and the construction of dams on shared rivers. In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution that was seen as discriminatory towards the Madhesis, a community with close ties to India. India responded by imposing an unofficial blockade on goods entering Nepal, causing severe shortages of essential goods and leading to a deterioration of the relationship between the two countries. India and Nepal have strong historical and cultural ties, as they share similar languages, religions and traditional customs. At present, India is Nepal's largest trading partner and donor. India has been involved in various large infrastructure projects in Nepal, such as the construction of the Nepal-India Friendship Bridge, which connects Kathmandu to the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. Apart from economic assistance, India has also given military aid to Nepal in times of need. On the other hand, China has increased its influence in Nepal since 2014, when there was a change of government in favor of the Communist Party of Nepal (CPN). China has provided financial assistance and has invested in many infrastructure projects like the Kathmandu-Pokhara railway. It is also building the China-Nepal cross-border economic cooperation zone, which will increase trade between the two countries. Nepal’s relationship with China has been growing stronger in recent years. China has been investing heavily in Nepal’s infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and hydropower projects. In 2017, China and Nepal signed a memorandum of understanding to build a trans-Himalayan railway, which would connect Nepal with China's Tibet Autonomous Region. China sees Nepal as an important partner in its Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect Asia with Europe and Africa through a network of highways, railways, and ports. However, Nepal’s growing relationship with China has also raised concerns in India. India sees China’s growing presence in Nepal as a threat to its own strategic interests in the region. India has been wary of China's increasing influence in South Asia and has been trying to counter China’s presence by strengthening its own relationship with other countries in the region, including Nepal. Nepal, meanwhile, has been trying to balance its relationships with India and China, both of which are important partners for its economic development. Nepal has maintained that it will not allow its territory to be used against the interests of either of its neighbors. However, Nepal’s delicate position between the two powerful countries has also made it vulnerable to their geopolitical rivalries. In conclusion, Nepal’s relationship with its two neighbors, India and China, is complex and multifaceted. While India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, China’s growing influence in Nepal’s infrastructure development has been seen as an opportunity for economic growth. Nepal’s challenge is to maintain a delicate balance between the two countries while safeguarding its own interests and sovereignty. As South Asia continues to be a region of geopolitical contestations, Nepal's position between two of the world's most populous countries will remain a subject of much interest and analysis. The author is a student of law

Menstruation, known as a woman’s period or ‘mahinawari’ in Nepali, is a natural biological process that occurs in females of reproductive age, including both animals and humans. It involves the shedding of the uterine lining and is accompanied by hormonal changes as the body prepares for potential pregnancy. However, it is unfortunate that in different parts of the world, including Nepal, menstruation has long been accompanied by taboos and cultural restrictions. These taboos are rooted in cultural and religious beliefs that consider menstruating women as impure or unclean. These beliefs often result in the marginalization and exclusion of women during their menstrual cycles, imposing numerous restrictions on their daily lives. For example, in many places, women are prohibited from entering religious spaces, participating in religious ceremonies, or touching objects considered sacred. They also face limitations in their domestic activities, such as entering the kitchen, being forbidden from preparing certain foods or coming into contact with family members. However, these restrictions can have profound impacts on the lives of menstruating women. They can experience feelings of shame, embarrassment, and isolation due to societal attitudes that perpetuate the notion of impurity associated with menstruation. Such beliefs can lead to a lack of understanding and empathy toward women's natural bodily processes. Is menstruation a taboo? Certainly, not. A survey conducted among 50 different youths also showed that it is not. However, though younger as well as older generations feel that it is not a taboo, people still follow the practices of untouchability and impurity during menstruation due to the societal stigma and belief. Although  the surveyed individuals did not personally consider menstruation as taboo, it is important to acknowledge that cultural beliefs and practices related to untouchability and impurity during menstruation still persist in many instances. Societal stigma and deeply ingrained beliefs continue to shape the perception and treatment of menstruation. Prasansa Shrestha, a banker, said that menstruation is a natural phenomenon and it’s not a curse like many relate it to. “It even purifies our blood. I however, personally have to follow the rules of my family for 4 days as it is a deep-rooted tradition in our community”. Cultural norms and societal expectations have a significant influence on behavior and practices, and individuals may conform to these norms due to the fear of being judged or the pressures of societal expectations. As a result, even if individuals themselves do not view menstruation as taboo, they still adhere to practices of untouchability or consider menstruation as impure due to the prevailing cultural beliefs. Even a health sector practitioner who believes that it is a very natural and biological process personally follows the rules of her family and community due to deep-rooted traditions. “I personally do not believe in these things but due to the family background and in-laws I am forced to follow the traditional norms and also make my two daughters follow the same”, she said requesting anonymity. These examples and situations reflect how cultural norms and societal expectations can exert influence on individual behavior and practices, even if they don't align with personal beliefs. A visual storyteller, Sujaan Shrestha has a different view. She believes the word taboo is incorrect as it is a natural process that teaches a woman the value of life in ways that a man's body would not experience throughout his life. She believes that it is not a contentious issue that everyone should argue. “What bothers me is only the fact that women suffer problems and comment on them even in this age”. According to her, it was one of the ways that women could take a break in the home since before they had to do all the domestic tasks without a break, which later became a taboo of ‘nachune’ or ‘chuna nahune’.  Even in her family, they follow different regulations like not entering and working in the kitchen and not going to the worship or praying area. Nelson Isa Bahati, from Uganda said that there are no restrictions in his country related to menstruations. “We do not stress our sisters when they have their periods but well it is not talked about openly as it is taken as a private and sacred issue”. Allen Munoriyarwa from University of Botswana said that to fight the societal taboos related to menstruation everyone should be involved and specially men should be conscientized about these issues as well because they are also part of this perpetuation of ill-founded taboos about human mensuration.  These perspectives reflect how cultural beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation can vary across different regions and communities. While there may not be specific restrictions, the cultural norm of keeping menstruation as a private matter can contribute to a lack of open dialogue and limited public awareness about menstrual health. Promoting menstrual hygiene? To address this, efforts are needed to encourage open discussions about menstruation, promote education and awareness, and challenge the cultural norms that hinder open communication. By fostering an environment where menstruation can be openly talked about without stigma or secrecy, we can ensure that individuals have access to accurate information, support, and resources for managing their menstrual health effectively. What can be done in Nepal? Director of International Programs for Soft Skills, AHA, USA, Ayusha Shrestha highlights the need of developing a dedicated mobile application (in both Nepali & English) that serves as a comprehensive resource hub for menstrual health education. Both private as well as government and non- government sectors should work on this to make the younger as well as older generation understand the importance of education. Shrestha suggests including features like interactive quizzes, informative articles, step-by-step guides for proper hygiene practices, and a forum where users can anonymously ask questions or share their experiences.  In order to get maximum reach to create awareness and impact digital apps like these should be promoted through social media campaigns and in partnerships with relevant influencers via different popular digital platforms like Tiktok, Youtube shorts, etc.  Many Nepali men I talked to said that they had no idea about this or do not want to talk about this stating that it is not at all a men’s issue. However, global data shows that men are more into creating the awareness and impact on talking about periods and menstrual hygiene. This perspective reflects how cultural beliefs and practices surrounding menstruation can vary across different regions and communities.  While some Nepali men may lack knowledge or avoid discussing menstruation, research and global data indicate that men can have a significant impact in raising awareness and promoting positive change regarding periods and menstrual hygiene. Studies have shown that well-informed men are more likely to support menstrual hygiene management, challenge taboos, and improve access to menstrual products and sanitation facilities. Therefore, engaging men in conversations about menstruation helps break down gender stereotypes and promotes gender equality. Their involvement fosters empathy, understanding, and support for women and girls experiencing menstruation, creating a more inclusive environment. Initiatives worldwide, such as the Menstrual Hygiene Day campaign (celebrated today) actively encourage men to become advocates and allies in breaking menstrual taboos and ensuring menstrual equity. Involving men in menstrual health discussions is crucial for building a more informed and supportive society. Their participation can help challenge stigma, promote inclusivity, and contribute to a more equitable understanding of menstruation. Promoting menstrual hygiene in countries where menstruation is not publicly discussed requires a multifaceted approach. Sujaan highlights the need for educational and behavioral changes to raise awareness and deliver accurate information. Education and access to basic sanitary facilities are critical for empowering girls and women. Almost all the women I talked to had a common view that men and boys participating in menstruation talks can help create a more inclusive and supportive atmosphere.  While there may not be specific restrictions, the cultural norm of keeping menstruation as a private matter can contribute to a lack of open dialogue and limited public awareness about menstrual health. To address this, efforts are needed to encourage open discussions about menstruation, promote education and awareness, and challenge the cultural norms that hinder open communication. By fostering an environment where menstruation can be openly talked about without stigma or secrecy, we can ensure that individuals (both men and women) have access to accurate information, support, and resources for managing their  and their family’s menstrual health effectively.  The author holds a PhD degree in Development Communication with focus on ICT for socio-economic development. She is the managing director of Beyond Impact Nepal

When it comes to menstruation or period in Nepal, there is some sort of silence. Besides a culture of silence, there are taboos and stigma, leading to misinformation and negativity toward this topic. Menstruating individuals (not limited to women) in our country often experience discrimination, restrictions, isolation, and exclusion from various social and religious activities.  It is true that education level and awareness have gradually increased in recent years, with several initiatives being taken and programs or campaigns launched. But are they enough?  Access to menstrual products The positive aspect is that the work done for menstrual rights in recent times has played a crucial role in challenging the existing taboos, initiating public discussions, and raising awareness for the normalcy of menstruation.  In cities, sanitary pads are gradually replaced by menstrual cups by young people these days, while the old clothes have been replaced by sanitary pads in many villages, which is a positive sign. Individuals, governments, activists, and civil societies have all made several efforts. One of the primary focuses of menstrual rights work in Nepal has been to ensure access to affordable and menstrual hygiene products. Activists and organizations have worked toward making sanitary pads more accessible, promoting local production, and distributing them in schools and communities. For the approximately 29,000 public schools in Nepal, the government of Nepal has allocated Rs 1.82bn (about $16m) in 2020 for the procurement and distribution of free sanitary pads.  There is the availability and free distribution of sanitary pads in government schools, even in remote locations, which is praiseworthy. There is also a provision for appointing a school nurse and managing the rest room for girl students. Such arrangements have contributed to maintaining menstrual hygiene, girls’ self-esteem, and personal development.  However, quality control and fair distribution of the sanitary products are questionable and mostly unanswered. Although these efforts have been instrumental in addressing the challenges faced by menstruating people who previously had limited access to appropriate menstrual products, a majority of menstruating people still remain far from accessing correct menstrual health information and their rights to dignified menstruation. The goal of menstruation rights advocacy is to make menstrual products more accessible, so it is essential to address the economic aspect of affordability. While initiatives to distribute free or subsidized menstrual products exist, the sustainability and reach of such programs are limited. Activism should focus not only on advocating for rights but also on addressing systemic issues such as poverty and income disparities, which impact menstruating people's ability to afford essential menstrual products. Culture vs advocacy  The major challenge in creating dignified menstruation in Nepal is the delicate balance between promoting change and respecting cultural beliefs. Nepal has a diverse cultural landscape with deeply ingrained traditions and religious practices. Traditional practices and remedies have been passed down through generations and often hold cultural significance. In the pursuit of spreading awareness and education, there is a risk of overlooking valuable local knowledge and practices related to menstrual health.  Menstrual rights activism should strive to incorporate and validate this knowledge, collaborating with local communities rather than imposing external solutions that may not align with their realities. Some activists, in their zeal to eradicate taboos, may inadvertently overlook the need for cultural sensitivity. This approach has led to resistance and backlash from communities that perceive the movement as a threat to their cultural identity.  The demand for an immediate change in how we perceive menstruation is often seen as a threat to religious belief and culture by older generations. Some attack the campaigns with the “dollar agenda” of outsiders, while others accuse them of spreading cultural attacks. Thus, advocacy requires a balanced approach.  Sustainable change requires more than short-term campaigns and initiatives. Menstrual rights activism should prioritize long-term solutions that address infrastructure, healthcare, and education. Without a holistic strategy, supplying menstruation products or awareness workshops may have a positive impact in the short term but may not lead to sustainable change.  Whilst there have been immense efforts to promote menstrual rights and eliminate taboos, there is a risk of inadvertently reinforcing them. The very act of focusing attention on menstruation may unintentionally perpetuate the idea that menstruation is a topic that needs fixing, thereby reinforcing the shame and secrecy surrounding it. To minimize unintentional stigmatization, it is important to find a balance between raising awareness and celebrating menstruation as a natural phenomenon. Breaking the silence  The menstrual rights movement in Nepal has exerted pressure on policymakers, leading to significant policy reforms and protection for menstruating individuals. From the legal arrangements to eliminate the ill practice of Chhaupadi to the customs duty waiver on the import of sanitary pads, some approaches and actions have worked well to some extent. Whilst the government has taken action to address the issue of menstruation hygiene in schools by providing free sanitary pads in public schools and waiving tax on imported menstrual items, the number of people disseminating menstrual health information remains low. For example, in many rural schools, students still report that their teachers are so hesitant during the sexual and reproductive health education chapter that they have to either fast-forward or skip over certain sections. When it comes to discussing and seeking help with issues of menstrual hygiene and health, menstruators and young people still face significant barriers.   The media plays a crucial role in shaping narratives. Thus, digital media should be fully utilized to reach out to the mass with awareness and education on menstruation, as Nepal has huge internet penetration. But at the same time, there should be more engagement with the local communities and more conversations with community members. Most importantly, non-menstruating people or men should also be engaged in breaking the silence.  Despite the fact that menstrual activism in Nepal has brought significant changes, it is important to acknowledge the challenges and unintended repercussions. The commodification of menstrual products, the potential exclusion of transgender individuals from the discourse, and the risk of reinforcing gender stereotypes are concerns that need to be addressed to ensure inclusivity and sustainability.  By addressing these challenges and incorporating diverse perspectives, menstrual rights activism can evolve into a more nuanced, inclusive, and effective movement that brings about tangible improvements in Nepal and beyond.   The authors are the creators of the podcast ‘Period Kaa Kura’

There is a need to acknowledge that the geostrategic environment is altering not just in South Asia but the whole world. It is very important for Nepal and India to find what issues will be fundamental in shaping the age-old (long standing) and bold (self-possessed) relations for a better and preferable destiny of the two countries. Nepal and India have come to these geostrategic circumstances, which are volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, with harmonies and discords. But the discords that these two countries have encountered reveal their commonalities, and they drive their relationship forward. This is the first of three parts article that aims to find answers to political-diplomacy-security disciplines with three subject matters: geostrategic apprehensions, foreign policy and lastly security relationship. The geostrategic apprehensions In the international pitch, India aspires to lead the global south. This is evident in its influence in global political affairs, with a rising status and engagements with political-economic-security groupings like the QUAD, BRICS, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the G7, G20 and ASEAN. The security architecture of South Asia with Indian perspective is shifting, forcing one to question the existing and imminent narratives and leave behind the past by taking lessons. The Himalayas as the barrier and a geographic challenge is lessening. So immediate neighborhoods are more a constraint from the regional security point of view. The South Asian security situation is deteriorating with resolute political and diplomatic support from great powers. The Indo-Pacific Region (IPR) is the center for global politics, and South Asia is significantly vital in the IPR with India standing prominently and promising. There is a diplomatic maneuvering on the expansion of G7 to G10, and one of the member nations could be India. As G20 is not expected to be in action, G7 will play a crucial role on devising policies with the US, European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, advancing to the IPR with several geopolitical collaborative efforts like Build Back Better World for ecology, economy, infrastructure connectivity, or the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment—a collaborative effort by G7 to fund projects in developing nations based on the trust principles of the Blue Dot Network (BDN). The BDN is a multi-stakeholder initiative by the US, Japan and Australia for infrastructure development projects worldwide on measures of financial transparency, environmental sustainability and impact on economic development. India’s rise in engagement has also expanded to West Asia, East Asia and Far-east Asia with Act East policy, Look Far East Policy etc. and does not only remain in the immediate neighborhood though “Neighborhood First” policy remains at the core for Nepal and India. Meanwhile, the Chinese Communist Party’s centennial anniversary has sent a strong message that China will no longer be bullied, oppressed or subjugated by foreign countries, or the US-led Western countries. China is expanding cooperation in South Asia, shaping the region as a bridge to the Indian Ocean, an alternative for connectivity, resources management and national security. The five states in the northern borders adjoining China along continental Himalayas and five nations (Myanmar, Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Pakistan) along the Indian Ocean will continue to be of interest to the powers involved particularly China, India and the US. One of the fundamentals of India and China relationship is “politics of space” with political interests, resources management and security leverages for stability, with economy as a priority as well as the shift in people’s perception. On the bilateral front between Nepal and India, a 12-point agreement between the Seven Party Alliance and the Maoists in New Delhi came into effect with the absence of an exit strategy in addition to the visualization of the upcoming geostrategic surroundings. This added to the mayhem in the relationship. The alteration of the political system essentially convinced the democratic force like the Nepal Congress to accept the Nepal Communist Party Maoist’s agenda to adopt a federal secular republic without comprehending the real actors behind the scene. Now, the Eminent Person Group report with suggestions to replace the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship and also regulate the open border, which is the foundation of a special relationship, is also threatening the ties.   Conclusion   As the region shifts from the 20th century to the 21st century the power’s political interests have transformed with economic growth as well as a geography that is more accessible than in the latter half of the 20th century. One phase passed with India’s independence ending the colonial period. The second phase was when India shaped a favorable South Asia security architecture during the 1970 to the 1990s, as well as when Communist China solidified the expanded territory particularly Tibet in the 1950s. The third phase was when India persuaded Nepal to adopt democracy, secularism and a federal republic order. The imminent phase will be defined by political-geography. China and India’s growing interests are not only in their peripheries but beyond. For China, it is the Indo-Pacific Region with multi-continental diplomatic engagements. For India, it is beyond its immediate neighborhood, be it Southeast Asia, East Asia, West Asia or the Persian Gulf. The region is divided into two power blocks China and India. China has come as a major foreign policy challenge to India and the US-led West. The accessible Himalayas will revolve into further contest rather than act as a facilitator of peace. In this circumstance, Nepal and India should move together for a better and preferable destiny in search for identity, inclusiveness and value-based democratic system. India’s policy in South Asia is based on “Neighbourhood First” but Nepal and India relationship goes further, not just because of proximity, cultural and people-to- people connection. Successful strategy for foreign affairs should end and begin in the real world of international relations. And for Nepal and India, the understanding of the geopolitical shift can offer a win-win solution. If successful, this relationship will influence other global actors and regional actors. It may even change the international environment in ways favorable to both Nepal and India’s interests. To do so, Nepal and India must begin with an accurate mental picture of domestic, regional and international realties. They should have a sound understanding of the politics, economy and security aspects of foreign policy. Part II will be on the foreign policy tight spot and a common effort to comprehend The author is a Strategic Analyst, Major General (Retd) of the Nepali Army, and is associated with Rangsit University, Thailand