While India’s relations with Bangladesh are in turmoil, Nepal is raising concerns about New Delhi and increasing its hostility with China. Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli recently returned home after a four-day visit to China. He told reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu on Friday that China-Nepal relations have further strengthened during this visit. At least 10 agreements have been signed between the two countries on various issues, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). According to him, these will enrich Nepal economically and culturally in the coming days.
At a press conference, Oli said that talks have been held between the two sides to resolve the BRI project impasse. The Belt and Road Initiative is a large-budget international project of China. Through which Beijing wants to build a communication system with various countries in Asia and even Europe by building new roads, railways and air routes. Nepal joined the project in 2017. But the work on this project in Nepal has stalled due to various obstacles. The two sides have talked to resolve the impasse. During this visit, Oli met Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also spoke to the Chinese Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials. In addition to the BRI, agreements have also been reached on bilateral trade expansion, economic and technological cooperation, and development projects from 2025-29. Oli has invited Chinese investors. He has also invited the common people of China to visit Nepal.
There is speculation in various quarters about the real purpose of this BRI project. According to many, in the name of development, China has got several countries caught in this debt trap. Beijing is lending money to small countries in the name of development projects. Later, if they are unable to repay the loan, China takes over the entire project. Or it is expanding its dominance in that country. If we examine the history of BRI, it will be seen that China has undermined the sovereignty and national security of many countries in the name of expanding the project. Not only the opposition parties, but also the Nepali Congress, an alliance partner of the Oli government, has disagreements about joining this project. They are strongly opposed to receiving financial assistance from China.
Earlier, Nepal had ignored New Delhi’s objections and received financial assistance of $200 million from China for the construction of Pokhara Airport. The airport was opened last year. The airport has not yet seen profit. This airport is very close to the Indian border. New Delhi fears that Beijing may use Pokhara Airport as a military air base. As a result, India has decided to close the country’s airspace along the area for national security. Before allaying those fears, Prime Minister Oli broke with tradition this year and instead of visiting India after the elections, he increased his concerns by visiting China.
Source: Anandabazar
