📝Significance of the Maritime Boundary Award
🔶The award is significant given the geo-strategic/political significance of greater Indian Ocean region and South Asian sub-region. Moreover, the award has wide security and economic implications not only for India and Bangladesh but also for the entire Bay of Bengal region.
🔶The verdict would contribute towards establishing strategic partnerships among the nations sharing borders in the Bay. The award is expected to have positive impact on emerging multilateral forum like BIMSTEC.
🔶 The verdict has been broadly accepted by both the countries as a positive development for further consolidation of friendly relations especially given the geo-strategic/political significance of greater Indian Ocean region and South Asian sub-region.
🔶The award is significant given the geo-strategic/political significance of greater Indian Ocean region and South Asian sub-region. Moreover, the award has wide security and economic implications not only for India and Bangladesh but also for the entire Bay of Bengal region.
🔶The verdict would contribute towards establishing strategic partnerships among the nations sharing borders in the Bay. The award is expected to have positive impact on emerging multilateral forum like BIMSTEC.
🔶 The verdict has been broadly accepted by both the countries as a positive development for further consolidation of friendly relations especially given the geo-strategic/political significance of greater Indian Ocean region and South Asian sub-region.
📝Economic Cooperation and Trade between India and Bangladesh
🔶Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown steadily over the last decade. In the last five years, total trade between the two countries has grown by more than 17%.India’s exports to Bangladesh in the period July 2016 – March 2017 stood at US$ 4489.30 million and imports from Bangladesh during FY 2016-17 stood at US$ 672.40 million.
🔶 There are estimates that the trade potential is at least four times the present level.
🔶 Lines of Credit: In recent Year India has extended three lines of credit worth US$ 8 billion to Bangladesh for a range of projects, including railway infrastructure, supply of BroadGauge microprocessor-based locomotives and passenger coaches, procurement of buses, and dredging projects. This is the largest quantum of credit India has extended to any other country by far and comes at a highly concessional rate of interest.
🔶Bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh has grown steadily over the last decade. In the last five years, total trade between the two countries has grown by more than 17%.India’s exports to Bangladesh in the period July 2016 – March 2017 stood at US$ 4489.30 million and imports from Bangladesh during FY 2016-17 stood at US$ 672.40 million.
🔶 There are estimates that the trade potential is at least four times the present level.
🔶 Lines of Credit: In recent Year India has extended three lines of credit worth US$ 8 billion to Bangladesh for a range of projects, including railway infrastructure, supply of BroadGauge microprocessor-based locomotives and passenger coaches, procurement of buses, and dredging projects. This is the largest quantum of credit India has extended to any other country by far and comes at a highly concessional rate of interest.
📝Energy Power Status Between India and Bangladesh
🔶Government-to-government power trade is 1,300 MW from India to Bangladesh.
🔶 India’s state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is building the Rampal coal-fired power plant in Bangladesh.
🔶In the private sector, Reliance Power has won approval to set up a 750 MW LNG-based power plant and an LNG terminal in Bangladesh, paving the way for $1.3 billion investment, and Adani Group is set to sell 3,000 MW power to Bangladesh.
🔶Connectivity: the focus has been road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines, and digital links that would give India access to the Northeast and to Southeast Asia through Bangladesh.
🔶Government-to-government power trade is 1,300 MW from India to Bangladesh.
🔶 India’s state-run Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is building the Rampal coal-fired power plant in Bangladesh.
🔶In the private sector, Reliance Power has won approval to set up a 750 MW LNG-based power plant and an LNG terminal in Bangladesh, paving the way for $1.3 billion investment, and Adani Group is set to sell 3,000 MW power to Bangladesh.
🔶Connectivity: the focus has been road, rail, rivers, sea, transmission lines, petroleum pipelines, and digital links that would give India access to the Northeast and to Southeast Asia through Bangladesh.
📝Connectivity between India and Bangladesh
🔶Two Trains services, Maitri and Bandhan, run between Kolkata and Dhaka.
🔶The new Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus service via Dhaka was started in 2016.
🔶 Trains are planned to run from Kolkata to Agartala via Dhaka, a project to be completed in 2019. on the Completion of the Akhaura-Agartala section the railway distance between Tripura and Kolkata would be reduced by over 1,000 km .
🔶The two sides agreed to examine the request of Bangladesh to establish a new rail link between Panchagarh (Bangladesh) to Siliguri (India).
🔶Bangladesh-India coastal shipping began operationalisation in March 2016.
🔶 In 2017 Bangladesh allowed Indian vessels to dock at Chittagong Port, the first time after 40 years. Indian companies are interested in developing Payra Port.
🔶 Trucks carrying Indian goods reached Tripura from Ashuganj port in Bangladesh on June 19 2016, making the long-cherished idea of transshipment into reality
🔶Two Trains services, Maitri and Bandhan, run between Kolkata and Dhaka.
🔶The new Kolkata-Dhaka-Agartala bus service via Dhaka was started in 2016.
🔶 Trains are planned to run from Kolkata to Agartala via Dhaka, a project to be completed in 2019. on the Completion of the Akhaura-Agartala section the railway distance between Tripura and Kolkata would be reduced by over 1,000 km .
🔶The two sides agreed to examine the request of Bangladesh to establish a new rail link between Panchagarh (Bangladesh) to Siliguri (India).
🔶Bangladesh-India coastal shipping began operationalisation in March 2016.
🔶 In 2017 Bangladesh allowed Indian vessels to dock at Chittagong Port, the first time after 40 years. Indian companies are interested in developing Payra Port.
🔶 Trucks carrying Indian goods reached Tripura from Ashuganj port in Bangladesh on June 19 2016, making the long-cherished idea of transshipment into reality
📝Security Status Between India and Bangladesh
🔶Security cooperation is a key area in the relations between the two countries.
🔶 In 2013 the extradition treaty between the two countries came into effect. The implementation of this treaty saw the extradition of figures such as Anup Chetia of the ULFA.
🔶 A MoU on Cyber Security was signed between the two countries in 2017.
🔶 In recent years Bangladesh has also faced some serious challenges from terrorism and is an invaluable partner in our fight against terrorism by India.
🔶 The two countries cooperate on checking the smuggling and circulation of fake currency notes and narcotics.
🔶 Standard Operating Procedures for operationalisation of the MoU on Cooperation between the Coast Guards between the two countries is in place.
🔶Security cooperation is a key area in the relations between the two countries.
🔶 In 2013 the extradition treaty between the two countries came into effect. The implementation of this treaty saw the extradition of figures such as Anup Chetia of the ULFA.
🔶 A MoU on Cyber Security was signed between the two countries in 2017.
🔶 In recent years Bangladesh has also faced some serious challenges from terrorism and is an invaluable partner in our fight against terrorism by India.
🔶 The two countries cooperate on checking the smuggling and circulation of fake currency notes and narcotics.
🔶 Standard Operating Procedures for operationalisation of the MoU on Cooperation between the Coast Guards between the two countries is in place.
📝Issues to resolved and future challenges b/w India & Bangladesh
🔶 The Teesta River Water issue remains to be resolved
🔶Tipaimukh project on the Barak River has been a sensitive issue for Bangladesh.
🔶 The issue of illegal immigration is a sensitive issue for India and especially in states such as Assam. Where India remains sensitive to the issue of illegal immigrants, Bangladesh has consistently denied that Bangladeshis are illegally migrating
Favourable Trade conditions are especially important for Bangladesh
🔶Rohingya issue- it is a sensitive issue involving the migration of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh. India as key regional player is expected to play a positive role in the issue in which China is also actively involved.
🔶Bangladesh goes to elections in 2018. It would be especially sensitive time for the relations.
🔶The Agreement on Ganges Water would expire in 2026.
🔶 The Teesta River Water issue remains to be resolved
🔶Tipaimukh project on the Barak River has been a sensitive issue for Bangladesh.
🔶 The issue of illegal immigration is a sensitive issue for India and especially in states such as Assam. Where India remains sensitive to the issue of illegal immigrants, Bangladesh has consistently denied that Bangladeshis are illegally migrating
Favourable Trade conditions are especially important for Bangladesh
🔶Rohingya issue- it is a sensitive issue involving the migration of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar to Bangladesh. India as key regional player is expected to play a positive role in the issue in which China is also actively involved.
🔶Bangladesh goes to elections in 2018. It would be especially sensitive time for the relations.
🔶The Agreement on Ganges Water would expire in 2026.
📝India and Bhutan Relations
▪️Background and Evolution
🔶 From 1949 onwards the relations were governed by a Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship of 1949. Article 2 of the treaty was significant wherein “the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations.”
🔶 Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the appointment of a resident representative of India in Thimphu.
🔶 The Kingdom of Bhutan was admitted as a member of the United Nations on 21st September 1971.
🔶 The first democratic elections in Bhutan began in 2007
🔶The Indian-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, which was signed in New Delhi on 8th February 2007, has come into force following the exchange of Instruments of Ratification between the two governments in Thimphu on 2nd March 2007.
▪️Background and Evolution
🔶 From 1949 onwards the relations were governed by a Treaty of Perpetual Peace and Friendship of 1949. Article 2 of the treaty was significant wherein “the Government of Bhutan agrees to be guided by the advice of the Government of India in regard to its external relations.”
🔶 Diplomatic relations between India and Bhutan were established in 1968 with the appointment of a resident representative of India in Thimphu.
🔶 The Kingdom of Bhutan was admitted as a member of the United Nations on 21st September 1971.
🔶 The first democratic elections in Bhutan began in 2007
🔶The Indian-Bhutan Friendship Treaty, which was signed in New Delhi on 8th February 2007, has come into force following the exchange of Instruments of Ratification between the two governments in Thimphu on 2nd March 2007.
📝Hydropower Projects b/w India and Bhutan
🔶Extensive cooperation in the field of development extends to the mutually beneficial sector of hydropower.
🔶Three Hydropower projects developed with Indian assistance are 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project, 336 MW Chukha Hydroelectric Project, 60 MW Kurichhu Hydroelectric Project.
🔶Ten more projects have been agreed to. Of these three are already under construction – Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, Punatsangchhu–II and Mangedechhu HEPs.
🔶The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of an Inter Government Agreement (IGA) on four JV-mode HEPs (Kholongchu, Wangchhu, Bunakha and Chamkharchhu) with Bhutan,and 15% GOI funding (DGPC’s equity) for the 600 MW Kholongchhu HEP.
🔶Both countries have set a goal of goal of 10,000MW in hydropower by 2020
🔶Extensive cooperation in the field of development extends to the mutually beneficial sector of hydropower.
🔶Three Hydropower projects developed with Indian assistance are 1020 MW Tala Hydroelectric Project, 336 MW Chukha Hydroelectric Project, 60 MW Kurichhu Hydroelectric Project.
🔶Ten more projects have been agreed to. Of these three are already under construction – Punatsangchhu-I Hydro Electric Project, Punatsangchhu–II and Mangedechhu HEPs.
🔶The Union Cabinet has approved the signing of an Inter Government Agreement (IGA) on four JV-mode HEPs (Kholongchu, Wangchhu, Bunakha and Chamkharchhu) with Bhutan,and 15% GOI funding (DGPC’s equity) for the 600 MW Kholongchhu HEP.
🔶Both countries have set a goal of goal of 10,000MW in hydropower by 2020
📝Economic Development b/w India and Bhutan
🔶 India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan.
🔶 Planned development efforts in Bhutan began in the early 1960s. The First Five Year Plan (FYP) of Bhutan was launched in 1961. Since then, India has been extending financial assistance to Bhutan’s FYPs.
🔶 Standby Credit Facility: GoI extended a standby credit facility of Rs 1000 crores to RGoB to help Bhutan overcome the rupee liquidity crunch. This Credit Facility was provided at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum. It is valid for 5 years.
🔶The new free trade agreement is in force since 29 July 2017, provides for a free trade regime between the territories of India and Bhutan. The agreement also provides for duty-free transit of Bhutanese merchandise for trade with third countries.
🔶 India continues to be the largest trade and development partner of Bhutan.
🔶 Planned development efforts in Bhutan began in the early 1960s. The First Five Year Plan (FYP) of Bhutan was launched in 1961. Since then, India has been extending financial assistance to Bhutan’s FYPs.
🔶 Standby Credit Facility: GoI extended a standby credit facility of Rs 1000 crores to RGoB to help Bhutan overcome the rupee liquidity crunch. This Credit Facility was provided at a concessional interest rate of 5% per annum. It is valid for 5 years.
🔶The new free trade agreement is in force since 29 July 2017, provides for a free trade regime between the territories of India and Bhutan. The agreement also provides for duty-free transit of Bhutanese merchandise for trade with third countries.
📝Security Status b/w India and Bhutan
🔶 President Ram Nath Kovind, in 2017, termed the security of India and Bhutan is “indivisible and mutual”-
🔶 The Eastern Army Command and the Eastern Air Command both have integrated protection of Bhutan into their role.
🔶 The Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), headed by a Major General, plays a critical role in training Bhutanese security personnel.
🔶Recent incidents in the Doklam area underlined the significance of security cooperation between the two countries.
🔶Both Countries maintain high level coordination on security issues. In this context the foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and Army Chief visited Thimphu in February 2018.
🔶 President Ram Nath Kovind, in 2017, termed the security of India and Bhutan is “indivisible and mutual”-
🔶 The Eastern Army Command and the Eastern Air Command both have integrated protection of Bhutan into their role.
🔶 The Indian Military Training Team (IMTRAT), headed by a Major General, plays a critical role in training Bhutanese security personnel.
🔶Recent incidents in the Doklam area underlined the significance of security cooperation between the two countries.
🔶Both Countries maintain high level coordination on security issues. In this context the foreign Secretary, National Security Advisor and Army Chief visited Thimphu in February 2018.
📝Concerns b/w India and Bhutan
🔶As of July 2017, Bhutan’s debt to India for the three major ongoing projects: Mangdechhu, Punatsangchhu 1 and 2 is approximately ₹12,300 crores which accounts for 77% of the country’s total debt, and is 87% of its GDP.
🔶While the cost of the 720 MW Mangdechhu project has nearly doubled in the past two years of construction, both Punatsangchhu 1 and 2, each of 1200 MW have trebled in cost and been delayed more than five years over the original completion schedule.
🔶 Meanwhile, the interest repayment on projects that are being financed by India as 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest is piling up.
🔶 The demarcation of boundaries of Bhutan with China under the1988 and 1998 agreements remain process in waiting. This has security implications for India and requires a new formulation.
🔶As of July 2017, Bhutan’s debt to India for the three major ongoing projects: Mangdechhu, Punatsangchhu 1 and 2 is approximately ₹12,300 crores which accounts for 77% of the country’s total debt, and is 87% of its GDP.
🔶While the cost of the 720 MW Mangdechhu project has nearly doubled in the past two years of construction, both Punatsangchhu 1 and 2, each of 1200 MW have trebled in cost and been delayed more than five years over the original completion schedule.
🔶 Meanwhile, the interest repayment on projects that are being financed by India as 30% grant and 70% loan at 10% annual interest is piling up.
🔶 The demarcation of boundaries of Bhutan with China under the1988 and 1998 agreements remain process in waiting. This has security implications for India and requires a new formulation.
📝India and Nepal
📍Background
🔶As close neighbours, India and Nepal share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation characterized by open borders and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture.
🔶Nepal has an area of 147,181 sq. kms. and a population of 29 million. It shares a border of over 1850 kms in the east, south and west with five Indian States – Sikkim, West Bengal,
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand – and in the north with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
🔶 The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the special relations that exist between India and Nepal.
🔶Under the provisions of this Treaty, the Nepalese citizens have enjoyed unparalleled national treatment in India, availing facilities and opportunities at par with Indian citizens. Nearly 6 million Nepali citizens live and work in India. Around 6,00,000 Indians are living/domiciled in Nepal.
📍Background
🔶As close neighbours, India and Nepal share a unique relationship of friendship and cooperation characterized by open borders and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture.
🔶Nepal has an area of 147,181 sq. kms. and a population of 29 million. It shares a border of over 1850 kms in the east, south and west with five Indian States – Sikkim, West Bengal,
Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand – and in the north with the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
🔶 The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the special relations that exist between India and Nepal.
🔶Under the provisions of this Treaty, the Nepalese citizens have enjoyed unparalleled national treatment in India, availing facilities and opportunities at par with Indian citizens. Nearly 6 million Nepali citizens live and work in India. Around 6,00,000 Indians are living/domiciled in Nepal.
📝The Evolution of Democratic Process in Nepal
#Part1
🔶 In 1951, the Nepali Monarch, King Tribhuwan, ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary Prime Ministers (the Ranas) and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government.
🔶 In December 1960, the then King Mahendra suspended the constitution, dissolved the elected parliament and dismissed the cabinet. He instituted a Panchayat system- hierarchical system of village, district and national councils.
🔶 In 1990 pro-democracy agitation co-ordinated by Nepali Congress Party(NCP) and leftist groups erupted. Street protests were suppressed by security forces resulting in deaths and mass arrests. King Birendra eventually bows to pressure and agrees to new democratic constitution.
🔶 1991 - NCP won first democratic elections. Girija Prasad Koirala becomes prime minister.
#Part1
🔶 In 1951, the Nepali Monarch, King Tribhuwan, ended the century-old system of rule by hereditary Prime Ministers (the Ranas) and instituted a cabinet system that brought political parties into the government.
🔶 In December 1960, the then King Mahendra suspended the constitution, dissolved the elected parliament and dismissed the cabinet. He instituted a Panchayat system- hierarchical system of village, district and national councils.
🔶 In 1990 pro-democracy agitation co-ordinated by Nepali Congress Party(NCP) and leftist groups erupted. Street protests were suppressed by security forces resulting in deaths and mass arrests. King Birendra eventually bows to pressure and agrees to new democratic constitution.
🔶 1991 - NCP won first democratic elections. Girija Prasad Koirala becomes prime minister.
📝The Evolution of Democratic Process in Nepal
#Part2
🔶The Maoist revolt began in 1995, it dragged on for more than a decade and resulted in the death of thousands. Among other things, the rebels wanted the monarchy to be abolished.
🔶The Royal Family Massacre: On 1 June 2001 - Crown Prince Dipendra killed King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and several members of the royal family, before shooting himself. The king's brother, Gyanendra was crowned king.
🔶 2005 February - King Gyanendra dismisses the government, restores an absolute monarchy and declares a state of emergency, citing the need to defeat Maoist rebels.
🔶2006 April - King Gyanendra agreed to reinstate the parliament following weeks of violent strikes and protests against direct royal rule as part of the Loktantra Movement.
🔶 Peace deal. In November 2006- The government signed a peace deal with the Maoists. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) - formally ended the decade-long insurgency.
#Part2
🔶The Maoist revolt began in 1995, it dragged on for more than a decade and resulted in the death of thousands. Among other things, the rebels wanted the monarchy to be abolished.
🔶The Royal Family Massacre: On 1 June 2001 - Crown Prince Dipendra killed King Birendra, Queen Aishwarya and several members of the royal family, before shooting himself. The king's brother, Gyanendra was crowned king.
🔶 2005 February - King Gyanendra dismisses the government, restores an absolute monarchy and declares a state of emergency, citing the need to defeat Maoist rebels.
🔶2006 April - King Gyanendra agreed to reinstate the parliament following weeks of violent strikes and protests against direct royal rule as part of the Loktantra Movement.
🔶 Peace deal. In November 2006- The government signed a peace deal with the Maoists. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) - formally ended the decade-long insurgency.
📝The Evolution of Democratic Process in Nepal
#Part3
🔶End of monarchy: In December 2007 - Parliament approved the abolition of monarchy as part of peace deal with Maoists, who agree to rejoin government.
🔶Elections to New Constituent Assembly: In April 2008 - Former Maoist rebels won the largest bloc of seats in elections to the new Constituent Assembly (CA), but failed to achieve an outright majority.
🔶2008 May - Nepal became a republic.
🔶 2008 June - Maoist ministers resigned from the cabinet in a row over who should be the next head of state. In July2008 - Ram Baran Yadav becomes Nepal's first president.
🔶 2008 August - Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda formed coalition government, with Nepali Congress going into opposition. Later the same year Maoists left the government
🔶 2009 May - Prime Minister Prachanda resigned following a row with President Yadav over the integration of former rebel fighters into the military and impasse over constitution continued.
#Part3
🔶End of monarchy: In December 2007 - Parliament approved the abolition of monarchy as part of peace deal with Maoists, who agree to rejoin government.
🔶Elections to New Constituent Assembly: In April 2008 - Former Maoist rebels won the largest bloc of seats in elections to the new Constituent Assembly (CA), but failed to achieve an outright majority.
🔶2008 May - Nepal became a republic.
🔶 2008 June - Maoist ministers resigned from the cabinet in a row over who should be the next head of state. In July2008 - Ram Baran Yadav becomes Nepal's first president.
🔶 2008 August - Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda formed coalition government, with Nepali Congress going into opposition. Later the same year Maoists left the government
🔶 2009 May - Prime Minister Prachanda resigned following a row with President Yadav over the integration of former rebel fighters into the military and impasse over constitution continued.
📝The Evolution of Democratic Process in Nepal
#Part4
🔶2010 May - The Constituent Assembly (CA) voted to extend the deadline for drafting the constitution, the first of four extensions.
🔶2012 May - The Constituent Assembly (CA) is dissolved after failing to produce a draft constitution.
🔶Second Constituent Assembly: In November 2018 - The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) and Nepali Congress shared the win in the second Constituent Assembly elections, pushing the former ruling Maoists into third place and leaving no party with a majority.
🔶 2014 February -Nepali Congress leader Sushil Koirala was elected prime minister after securing parliamentary support.
🔶2014 November - Nepal and India sign a deal to build a $1bn hydropower plant on Nepal's Arun river to counter crippling energy shortages.
#Part4
🔶2010 May - The Constituent Assembly (CA) voted to extend the deadline for drafting the constitution, the first of four extensions.
🔶2012 May - The Constituent Assembly (CA) is dissolved after failing to produce a draft constitution.
🔶Second Constituent Assembly: In November 2018 - The Communist Party of Nepal (UML) and Nepali Congress shared the win in the second Constituent Assembly elections, pushing the former ruling Maoists into third place and leaving no party with a majority.
🔶 2014 February -Nepali Congress leader Sushil Koirala was elected prime minister after securing parliamentary support.
🔶2014 November - Nepal and India sign a deal to build a $1bn hydropower plant on Nepal's Arun river to counter crippling energy shortages.
📝Elections In Nepal
🔶In December 2017, Nepal held Parliamentary Elections. The Lower House, House of Representatives (Pratindihi Sabha), comprises of 275 seats, out of which 165 are elected on the FPTP system and 110 through the proportional representation system.
🔶 Elections for Upper house, National Assembly (Rashtiriya Sabha,) were held in February 2018, it has 59 members.
🔶 The victory of left alliance including the Communist Party of Nepal and the Maoist Party ensured swearing in of K.P. Oli as the new Prime Minister.
🔶 It is apparent that the Mr. Oli has a clear tilt towards China, this perhaps adds to challenges in India Nepal Relations.
🔶In December 2017, Nepal held Parliamentary Elections. The Lower House, House of Representatives (Pratindihi Sabha), comprises of 275 seats, out of which 165 are elected on the FPTP system and 110 through the proportional representation system.
🔶 Elections for Upper house, National Assembly (Rashtiriya Sabha,) were held in February 2018, it has 59 members.
🔶 The victory of left alliance including the Communist Party of Nepal and the Maoist Party ensured swearing in of K.P. Oli as the new Prime Minister.
🔶 It is apparent that the Mr. Oli has a clear tilt towards China, this perhaps adds to challenges in India Nepal Relations.
📝Security Status b/w India and Nepal
🔶India has played a leading role in helping the Nepalese Army (NA) in its modernization through provision of equipment and training. About 250+ training slots are provided every year for training of NA personnel in various Indian Army Training institutions.
🔶The 10th Indo-Nepal Army Battalion level Joint Exercise was conducted at Saljhandi (Nepal) from 31 October to 13 November 2016. The 11th Indo-Nepal Army Battalion level Joint Exercise, Surya Kiran, was conducted at Pithoragarh (India) in March 2017.
🔶The Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army is raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal. Currently, about 32,000 Gorkha Soldiers from Nepal are serving in the Indian Army.
🔶India has played a leading role in helping the Nepalese Army (NA) in its modernization through provision of equipment and training. About 250+ training slots are provided every year for training of NA personnel in various Indian Army Training institutions.
🔶The 10th Indo-Nepal Army Battalion level Joint Exercise was conducted at Saljhandi (Nepal) from 31 October to 13 November 2016. The 11th Indo-Nepal Army Battalion level Joint Exercise, Surya Kiran, was conducted at Pithoragarh (India) in March 2017.
🔶The Gorkha Regiment of the Indian Army is raised partly by recruitment from hill districts of Nepal. Currently, about 32,000 Gorkha Soldiers from Nepal are serving in the Indian Army.
📝Water Resources in India & Nepal
🔶Cooperation in Water Resources primarily concerning the common rivers is one of the most important areas of our bilateral relations and has immense potential.
🔶It is estimated that around 250 small and large rivers flow from Nepal to India and constitute an important part of the Ganges river basins.
🔶These rivers have the potential to become major sources of irrigation and power for Nepal and India, are a source of devastating floods in Nepal’s Terai region, and the Indian States of Bihar and UP.
🔶A three–tier bilateral mechanism established in 2008, to discuss issues relating to cooperation in water resources and hydropower between the two countries.
🔶 In November 2014 Nepal and India sign a deal to build a $1bn hydropower plant on Nepal's Arun river to counter crippling energy shortages.
🔶 The Commencement of Work on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose project on Mahakali river in 2017 is expected to provide impetus to water resource cooperation between India and Nepal.
🔶Cooperation in Water Resources primarily concerning the common rivers is one of the most important areas of our bilateral relations and has immense potential.
🔶It is estimated that around 250 small and large rivers flow from Nepal to India and constitute an important part of the Ganges river basins.
🔶These rivers have the potential to become major sources of irrigation and power for Nepal and India, are a source of devastating floods in Nepal’s Terai region, and the Indian States of Bihar and UP.
🔶A three–tier bilateral mechanism established in 2008, to discuss issues relating to cooperation in water resources and hydropower between the two countries.
🔶 In November 2014 Nepal and India sign a deal to build a $1bn hydropower plant on Nepal's Arun river to counter crippling energy shortages.
🔶 The Commencement of Work on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose project on Mahakali river in 2017 is expected to provide impetus to water resource cooperation between India and Nepal.
📝Power Status b/w India & Nepal
🔶 India and Nepal have a Power Exchange Agreement since 1971 for meeting the power requirements in the border areas of the two countries, taking advantage of each other's transmission infrastructure.
🔶 There are more than twenty 132 KV, 33 KV and 11 KV transmission interconnections which are used both for power exchange in the bordering areas and for power trade. For enhanced transmission of electricity, short term augmentation of the existing grid has been completed.
🔶Under mid–term augmentation, with grant assistance from GoI, 132 KV Kataiya–Kushaha and 132 KV Raxaul–Parwanipur transmission lines are being operationalized.
🔶 For long–term augmentation of the cross–border grid infrastructure, with a funding of US$ 13.2 million (from GoI’s US$ 100 Million LoC), the construction of a 400 KV Muzzafarpur–Dhalkebar transmission line is in progress.
🔶 India and Nepal have a Power Exchange Agreement since 1971 for meeting the power requirements in the border areas of the two countries, taking advantage of each other's transmission infrastructure.
🔶 There are more than twenty 132 KV, 33 KV and 11 KV transmission interconnections which are used both for power exchange in the bordering areas and for power trade. For enhanced transmission of electricity, short term augmentation of the existing grid has been completed.
🔶Under mid–term augmentation, with grant assistance from GoI, 132 KV Kataiya–Kushaha and 132 KV Raxaul–Parwanipur transmission lines are being operationalized.
🔶 For long–term augmentation of the cross–border grid infrastructure, with a funding of US$ 13.2 million (from GoI’s US$ 100 Million LoC), the construction of a 400 KV Muzzafarpur–Dhalkebar transmission line is in progress.
📝Trade Relations b/w India & Nepal
🔶 Since 1996, Nepal’s exports to India have grown more than eleven times and bilateral trade more than seven times; the bilateral trade that was 29.8% of total external trade of Nepal in year 1995-96 has reached 61.2% in 2015-16.
🔶 Indian firms are the biggest investors in Nepal, accounting for about 40% of the total approved foreign direct investments. There are about 150 Indian ventures operating in Nepal.
🔶They are engaged in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port, education and telecom), power sector and tourism industries.
🔶 Some large Indian investors include ITC, Dabur India, Hindustan Unilever, VSNL, TCIL, MTNL, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Asian Paints, CONCOR, GMR India etc.
🔶 The Union Budget 2018 increased the funding allocation of Nepal from 375 crores to 650 crores .
🔶In February 2016 India agreed on giving dedicated access to Nepal to the port of Vizag.
🔶 Since 1996, Nepal’s exports to India have grown more than eleven times and bilateral trade more than seven times; the bilateral trade that was 29.8% of total external trade of Nepal in year 1995-96 has reached 61.2% in 2015-16.
🔶 Indian firms are the biggest investors in Nepal, accounting for about 40% of the total approved foreign direct investments. There are about 150 Indian ventures operating in Nepal.
🔶They are engaged in manufacturing, services (banking, insurance, dry port, education and telecom), power sector and tourism industries.
🔶 Some large Indian investors include ITC, Dabur India, Hindustan Unilever, VSNL, TCIL, MTNL, State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Life Insurance Corporation of India, Asian Paints, CONCOR, GMR India etc.
🔶 The Union Budget 2018 increased the funding allocation of Nepal from 375 crores to 650 crores .
🔶In February 2016 India agreed on giving dedicated access to Nepal to the port of Vizag.