India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has made a significant gesture of goodwill during his recent visit to Kathmandu, where he officially presented a defense and medical package to Nepal’s Chief of Army Staff, General Ashok Raj Sigdel. The package included six light strike vehicles, essential critical care medical equipment, two military dogs, and six army horses. This initiative underlines the longstanding and robust defense cooperation between the two neighboring nations, as emphasized by the Indian embassy in Nepal.
Misri’s visit is seen as a precursor to a potential state visit by Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to New Delhi in the near future, following an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This forthcoming visit is noteworthy, particularly as it follows a considerable lag since Oli began his fourth term in July 2024, indicating efforts to mend and strengthen diplomatic ties.
The geopolitical landscape in which Nepal operates is complex, situated between the two regional powers of India and China, both of which are vying for influence. Historically, Nepal has maintained closer ties with India in terms of security, culture, and economics; however, Chinese investments and engagements have been on the rise.
The relationship between Nepal and India faced significant strain in 2015 when Kathmandu accused New Delhi of enforcing an unofficial blockade after its adoption of a new constitution, which India critiqued for marginalizing the Madhesi community, culturally linked to India. Further tensions arose in 2020 when the Nepali government included disputed territories in its official map, a move that India resisted.
In the wake of these events, Nepal sought to bolster its relationship with China, actively participating in initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative and facilitating high-level visits to Beijing. Notably, PM Oli defied tradition by choosing China as his first foreign visit instead of India, a move that symbolized a shift in Nepal’s diplomatic orientation.
Despite these tensions, Oli has publicly dismissed assertions of escalating discord with India, affirming the nation’s capability to maintain harmonious relations with both New Delhi and Beijing.
Analysts, including Rishi Gupta from the Asia Society Policy Institute, view Misri’s recent visit as a pivotal step in rebuilding trust between Nepal and India across defense and other collaborative areas. This development signals a potential thaw in relations, aimed at enhancing cooperation and addressing mutual concerns amid the complex dynamics of regional politics.
