📝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.
📝Development in Connectivity b/w India and Nepal
🔶The Augmentation of Jayanagar-Janakpur Railway line is in Progress between the two countries. Originally built during the British rule this line was functional till 2014, when it was closed for up gradation.
🔶 In 2017 India has also proposed a direct rail link to Kathmandu from Delhi & Kolkata.
🔶 Currently India and Nepal are connected by a directed bus service launched in 2014.
🔶 Both the countries are signatories to the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement as part of sub regional-connectivity efforts.
🔶The Augmentation of Jayanagar-Janakpur Railway line is in Progress between the two countries. Originally built during the British rule this line was functional till 2014, when it was closed for up gradation.
🔶 In 2017 India has also proposed a direct rail link to Kathmandu from Delhi & Kolkata.
🔶 Currently India and Nepal are connected by a directed bus service launched in 2014.
🔶 Both the countries are signatories to the BBIN Motor Vehicle Agreement as part of sub regional-connectivity efforts.
📝Border Dispute b/w India & Nepal
🔶 Delineation of boundary between India and Nepal is subject to the resolution over the territorial dispute on Susta and Kalapani areas.
🔶 The Kalapani row is over a 35 square km disputed area where the border is marked by the river Mahakali.
🔶 Gandak forms the international boundary between Nepal and India.
🔶 A British era agreement, known as the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), led to the demarcation of the international boundary between India and Nepal.
🔶In 1981, a Joint Technical Level Nepal-India Boundary Committee was set up, which after years of surveying and deliberations delineated 98% of the India-Nepal border on 182 strip maps. But, Susta was not part of this delineation.
🔶 In 2007, these strip maps were presented to both countries for ratification.
🔶 Nepal refused to sign the documents without resolving the Susta and Kalapani disputes India, too, did not endorse the maps.
🔶 Delineation of boundary between India and Nepal is subject to the resolution over the territorial dispute on Susta and Kalapani areas.
🔶 The Kalapani row is over a 35 square km disputed area where the border is marked by the river Mahakali.
🔶 Gandak forms the international boundary between Nepal and India.
🔶 A British era agreement, known as the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), led to the demarcation of the international boundary between India and Nepal.
🔶In 1981, a Joint Technical Level Nepal-India Boundary Committee was set up, which after years of surveying and deliberations delineated 98% of the India-Nepal border on 182 strip maps. But, Susta was not part of this delineation.
🔶 In 2007, these strip maps were presented to both countries for ratification.
🔶 Nepal refused to sign the documents without resolving the Susta and Kalapani disputes India, too, did not endorse the maps.
📝Challenges In Relations of India & Nepal
🔶Political transition in Nepal: Constitutional process and ethnic linkages invoving Madhesis, Tharus and janajatis pose a key challenge to the future of the bilateral relations.
🔶 Cooperation in developing water resources: Nepal has 43,000 MWs hydropower potential that is known to be technically feasible and economically viable. However, major projects have not taken-off due to considerations outside the realm of economics.
🔶The China Factor: China has showed renewed interest in Nepal following the constitutional logjam, the earthquake in 2015 and the blockade on the Indo-Nepal borders in the same year.
🔶In 2012, Nepal approved a $1.8 billion contract to China for the West Seti Hydropower Project.
🔶In November 2017 in a decision which could have far reaching consequences in the region and for China, Nepal cancelled the Budhi Gandaki hydropower project which had been contracted to a Chinese company Chinese company.
🔶Political transition in Nepal: Constitutional process and ethnic linkages invoving Madhesis, Tharus and janajatis pose a key challenge to the future of the bilateral relations.
🔶 Cooperation in developing water resources: Nepal has 43,000 MWs hydropower potential that is known to be technically feasible and economically viable. However, major projects have not taken-off due to considerations outside the realm of economics.
🔶The China Factor: China has showed renewed interest in Nepal following the constitutional logjam, the earthquake in 2015 and the blockade on the Indo-Nepal borders in the same year.
🔶In 2012, Nepal approved a $1.8 billion contract to China for the West Seti Hydropower Project.
🔶In November 2017 in a decision which could have far reaching consequences in the region and for China, Nepal cancelled the Budhi Gandaki hydropower project which had been contracted to a Chinese company Chinese company.
📝The BBIN Framework
🔶In eastern sub-region comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN), the four South Asian nations signed the BBIN Agreement in Thimphu and it was seen as a significant symbol of sub-regional unity.
🔶 The BBIN initiative, for the time being, operates through inter-governmental Joint Working Groups (JWG) comprising senior officials of respective governments, under the aegis of their respective Foreign Affairs ministries but drawing in representatives of other concerned ministries/agencies of the government.
🔶Two such JWGs were set up, one on Trade, Connectivity and Transit, the other on Water Resources Management, and Power/hydropower trade and Grid Connectivity.
🔶In eastern sub-region comprising Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN), the four South Asian nations signed the BBIN Agreement in Thimphu and it was seen as a significant symbol of sub-regional unity.
🔶 The BBIN initiative, for the time being, operates through inter-governmental Joint Working Groups (JWG) comprising senior officials of respective governments, under the aegis of their respective Foreign Affairs ministries but drawing in representatives of other concerned ministries/agencies of the government.
🔶Two such JWGs were set up, one on Trade, Connectivity and Transit, the other on Water Resources Management, and Power/hydropower trade and Grid Connectivity.
📝Vision of BBIN
🔶 BBIN vision for the sub-region rests on Four pillars Trade, connectivity and transit.
🔶 Investment in power generation and water management sectors.
🔶 Cooperation in energy area, in power trade and converting national grids into a sub- regional grid.
🔶 Contact between the peoples of the region
🔶 BBIN vision for the sub-region rests on Four pillars Trade, connectivity and transit.
🔶 Investment in power generation and water management sectors.
🔶 Cooperation in energy area, in power trade and converting national grids into a sub- regional grid.
🔶 Contact between the peoples of the region
📝Potential of BBIN
🔶Once implemented thoroughly, they have the potential to increase India’s-regional trade within South Asia by almost 60% and with the rest of the world by over 30%.
🔶 This would be a visible advantage for South Asia with transport corridors transformed into economic corridors.
🔶The BBIN Agreement signals that relations which were earlier characterized by trust-
deficit among countries are now decisively moving towards a national political consensus
for cooperation among the neighbours.
🔶Once implemented thoroughly, they have the potential to increase India’s-regional trade within South Asia by almost 60% and with the rest of the world by over 30%.
🔶 This would be a visible advantage for South Asia with transport corridors transformed into economic corridors.
🔶The BBIN Agreement signals that relations which were earlier characterized by trust-
deficit among countries are now decisively moving towards a national political consensus
for cooperation among the neighbours.
📝Recent Developments in B/w India and Nepal
🔶 India proposed a SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement during the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in November 2014. Due to objections from Pakistan, an agreement could not be reached.
🔶India instead pursued similar motor vehicle agreement with the BBIN. The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement was signed on 15 June 2015.
🔶 However, in 2017 Bhutan backed out from joining this agreement asking the other countries to continue with operationalisation.
🔶 India approved $1.08 Billion for construction and upgradation of 558 km long roads that join Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
🔶 The project will receive 50% funding from Asian Development Bank. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2018.
🔶 India proposed a SAARC Motor Vehicle Agreement during the SAARC Summit in Kathmandu in November 2014. Due to objections from Pakistan, an agreement could not be reached.
🔶India instead pursued similar motor vehicle agreement with the BBIN. The Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement was signed on 15 June 2015.
🔶 However, in 2017 Bhutan backed out from joining this agreement asking the other countries to continue with operationalisation.
🔶 India approved $1.08 Billion for construction and upgradation of 558 km long roads that join Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal.
🔶 The project will receive 50% funding from Asian Development Bank. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2018.
📝India-Sri Lanka
🖍️The Background #Part1
🔶 As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.
🔶 Ethnic issues-Sri Lanka comprises of various ethnic groups- Sinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2%, Sri Lankan Moors or Muslims 9.2%, Indian Tamil 4.2%, other 0.5% .
🔶 Tamils were disenfranchised in 1949. The 1956 Sinhala Only Act further institutionalised
the discrimination.
🔶 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed in 1976 and it was involved in an armed conflict with Sri Lankan armed forces from 1983 to 2009. In 1987 India-Sri Lanka Agreement signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayewardene sought to end the civil war in the island nation.
🔶 This agreement envisaged the creation of provincial councils with autonomy enabled by the 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution.
🖍️The Background #Part1
🔶 As Ceylon, it became independent in 1948; its name was changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.
🔶 Ethnic issues-Sri Lanka comprises of various ethnic groups- Sinhalese 74.9%, Sri Lankan Tamil 11.2%, Sri Lankan Moors or Muslims 9.2%, Indian Tamil 4.2%, other 0.5% .
🔶 Tamils were disenfranchised in 1949. The 1956 Sinhala Only Act further institutionalised
the discrimination.
🔶 Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) was formed in 1976 and it was involved in an armed conflict with Sri Lankan armed forces from 1983 to 2009. In 1987 India-Sri Lanka Agreement signed between Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and President J.R. Jayewardene sought to end the civil war in the island nation.
🔶 This agreement envisaged the creation of provincial councils with autonomy enabled by the 13th amendment to the Sri Lankan constitution.
📝India-Sri Lanka
🖍️The Background #Part2
🔶Also under the agreement, Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was sent to Sri Lanka's
Northern and Eastern provinces, to “guarantee and enforce the cessation of hostilities” between the Tamil separatist groups and the government.
🔶 However, the situation turned into a military confrontation between the IPKF and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which refused to disarm and join the political mainstream.
🔶 The IPKF-LTTE conflict that began on October 10, 1987, and lasted till 1990 saw the death of over 1,200 Indian soldiers and 660 LTTE cadres.
🔶The assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 further changed India’s
attitude towards the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka
🔶Civil War in Sri Lanka ended through military operation in 2009.
🖍️The Background #Part2
🔶Also under the agreement, Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) was sent to Sri Lanka's
Northern and Eastern provinces, to “guarantee and enforce the cessation of hostilities” between the Tamil separatist groups and the government.
🔶 However, the situation turned into a military confrontation between the IPKF and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which refused to disarm and join the political mainstream.
🔶 The IPKF-LTTE conflict that began on October 10, 1987, and lasted till 1990 saw the death of over 1,200 Indian soldiers and 660 LTTE cadres.
🔶The assassination of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi in 1991 further changed India’s
attitude towards the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka
🔶Civil War in Sri Lanka ended through military operation in 2009.
📝Evolution of India Sri Lanka Relations
🔶The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is more than 2,500 years old and both sides have built upon a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction.
🔶India and Sri Lanka commemorated the 2600th year of the attainment of enlightenment by Lord Buddha (Sambuddhatva Jayanthi) through joint activities. These included the exposition of Sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka that took place in August - September 2012.
🔶A Maritime agreement was signed by India and Sri Lanka in 1974. Where in India handed
over the uninhabited Kacchateevu.
🔶Signed in 1999, the India-Sri Lanka FTA entered into force in 2000 .
🔶2009, 2012 and 2013 India votes in favour of resolutions asking for probe in Sri Lanka’s
war against the LTTE at the Human Rights Council.
🔶Change of governments in India in 2014 and Sri Lanka in 2015 provided an opportunity for fresh engagement.
🔶A Civil Nuclear Agreement was signed between the two countries in 2015.
🔶The relationship between India and Sri Lanka is more than 2,500 years old and both sides have built upon a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction.
🔶India and Sri Lanka commemorated the 2600th year of the attainment of enlightenment by Lord Buddha (Sambuddhatva Jayanthi) through joint activities. These included the exposition of Sacred Kapilavastu Relics in Sri Lanka that took place in August - September 2012.
🔶A Maritime agreement was signed by India and Sri Lanka in 1974. Where in India handed
over the uninhabited Kacchateevu.
🔶Signed in 1999, the India-Sri Lanka FTA entered into force in 2000 .
🔶2009, 2012 and 2013 India votes in favour of resolutions asking for probe in Sri Lanka’s
war against the LTTE at the Human Rights Council.
🔶Change of governments in India in 2014 and Sri Lanka in 2015 provided an opportunity for fresh engagement.
🔶A Civil Nuclear Agreement was signed between the two countries in 2015.