​Neighbours first, Pg6

Key Highlights:

• Balendra "Balen" Shah was recently sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Nepal.
• Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Shah expressed their desire to enhance bilateral ties.
• Nepal relies on India for trade and transit, especially for hydropower exports.
• Balendra Shah is the first Madhesi leader of Nepal, marking a shift from traditional leadership.
• India should support Nepal in addressing challenges like fuel and fertilizer imports due to the West Asia war.

Detailed Insights:

• Nepal's new leadership under Balen Shah represents a departure from past foreign policy approaches shaped by older political movements.
• India has increased development assistance to Nepal but faced strains due to constitutional issues, border trade blockades, and territorial disputes.
• Balen Shah's past nationalistic stance and use of the "Greater Nepal" map have caused concern in New Delhi.
• India should offer support to Nepal in dealing with the impacts of the West Asia war on fuel and fertilizer imports.
• India could consider allowing overflight for new Nepali airports, easing restrictions on purchasing Nepali power, and updating the bilateral friendship treaty.
• Approximately 14% of Nepal's population works abroad, making the country dependent on remittances and tourism revenues.
• India should promptly invite Prime Minister Shah to Delhi to strengthen relations and prioritize the "Neighbours first" policy.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Bilateral Ties: Relations and interactions between two countries, covering political, economic, and cultural aspects.
• Hegemony: Dominance or leadership of one country over others, often in a political or economic context.
• Remittances: Money sent by migrant workers to their families in their home country.