Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the battle for political and economic influence between India and China is playing out in Nepal. India’s decision to directly implement development projects in Nepal are set to trouble Beijing, which has defied geography and geopolitics in influencing Kathmandu
New Delhi: In an attempt to minimize China’s influence on Nepal and simultaneously positioning itself as the infrastructural vanguard of the Himalayan nation – India will be implementing 67 development projects in the country.
The announcement of the projects came close on the heels of a telephonic conversation on 27 April, between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari. The two reportedly discussed ways to enhance their strategic ties, with China assuring to promote, restore the economic and social development system in Nepal.
According to sources, the Indian government announced that it will directly implement at least 67 development projects in Nepal in the new fiscal year 2020-21 that begins on 16 July.
“The decision of the projects was conveyed to us by the Indian Embassy at Kathmandu. They (Indian government) will be carrying out various projects across major districts of Nepal starting from July,” an official with the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) told The News21 while adding that each of the projects entails an investment of up to $409,530 dollars.
The officer said that Kathmandu will be ‘informed’ of all the projects in advance before they are commenced upon.
Focus on Connectivity
Sources claimed that India is attempting to make major in-roads with Nepal by fast-tracking all pending road and rail projects.
Though the two nations are directly connected via strong roadways, New Delhi is planning to complete the 14 internal road projects in the Terai region of Nepal. “This road project will help in establishing the internal connectivity of various villages with cities. They will improve economic activities and also enhance the reach of medical and other services to mountainous terrains of the country,” the officer said.
Following roads are the Nepalese rail projects. According to sources, India will be working on war-footing to complete six railway projects including Jaynagar (India) to Janakpur (Nepal) to Bardibas (Nepal), Jogbani (India) to Biratnagar (Nepal), Nautanwa (India) to Bhairahawa (Nepal), Rupaidiha (India) to Nepalgunj (Nepal), New Jalpaiguri (India) to Kakarbhitta (Nepal), and Kathmandu-Raxual line.
Moving away from land, India has also set its sight on developing Nepal’s inland waterways.
Reports indicate that New Delhi has permitted Kathmandu to use three inland waterways, expanding its transit connectivity options.
As per the deal between the two nations – Nepal can operate its own vessels on India’s main river Ganga. New Delhi has also granted access to the Kolkata-Kalughat, Raxaul; Kolkata-Sahebgunj, Biratnagar, and Kolkata-Varanasi-Raxaul routes for waterways.
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) developed a waterway on the Ganges River which connects Varanasi and the seaport of Haldia, Kolkata. The intent behind this development was to provide Nepal access to India’s eastern waters to facilitate the movement of cargo import into Kathmandu.
