INDIA–NEPAL DICHOTOMY UNDER THE ‘NEIGHBOURHOOD FIRST’ POLICY: AN ANALYSIS OF STRATEGIC AMBIVALENCE AND CULTURAL CONTINUITY

Vollständiger Abstract

Worum geht es in dieser Arbeit?

Historically, India and Nepal are linked by cultural affinity, open borders and civilizational continuity, but the relationship has swung from strategic collaboration to diplomatic friction, especially when considering India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy. This paper reexamines the dichotomies in India-Nepal relations through the prism of Barry Buzan’s notion of “Universal Sovereignty”, to understand how asymmetries in terms of political power, economic dependency and external influences, especially China’s growing regional footprint, have complicated this partnership. The study examines the current situation occurring in border disputes, trade imbalances and changing public perceptions to see how contemporary geopolitical dynamics have strained traditionally intimate ties. This paper critically inspects the effectiveness and the shortcomings of India’s regional engagement strategy using a qualitative approach based on historical treaties, policy documents and existing literature. It ends with a proposal for recalibrated diplomatic and economic strategies for the restoration of mutual trust, correction of structural asymmetries and fostering of sustainable and equitable cooperation between the two countries.