Social ties hit in Bihar border districts due to India, Nepal tensions .
Indian authorities has issued directives to internal security agencies to closely monitor the movements of Nepali individuals arriving in Major Indian Cities…reports Asian Lite News
India’s external intelligence agency, known as Research & Analysis Wing (R&AW) or the Special Bureau, recently raised concerns by sharing crucial intelligence about Chinese activities within India.
This information was further substantiated during a security review meeting by the Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO), FPJ reported.
R&AW has issued directives to internal security agencies to closely monitor the movements of Nepali individuals arriving in Mumbai, Pune, and Nagpur.
According to FPJ reports, this directive stems from specific intelligence provided by R&AW sources in China, revealing that Chinese agents have devised new covert strategies to enter India without detection.
These agents are discreetly adopting new identities by acquiring Nepali passports with the assistance of private agencies and local Nepalese passport offices. With these covert profiles, they travel from Nepal to India, holding Nepali passports.
Once in cities like Mumbai or Pune, they often choose to settle in Pune and seamlessly integrate into local communities, including joining ashrams. It is from these bases that they initiate their covert operations against India.
Along with Indian nationals, there were some Nepal citizens as well, who were also evacuated by India under ‘Operation Ajay’….reports Asian Lite News
Nepal’s Foreign Minister, NP Saud, has conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, for the successful evacuation of Nepali citizens from Israel.
Thanking Jaishankar, Saud said that the people of Nepal are helpful for the same.
“Your Excellency @DrSJaishankar, we appreciate this help in difficult time. Nepal and Nepali people are thankful,” Saud posted on X on Tuesday.
The fifth flight carrying 286 Indian nationals including 18 citizens of Nepal arrived in New Delhi late on Tuesday night. Upon arrival, they were received by the Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, L Murugan.
“Wherever Indians are stranded, our priority is to bring them back. We have successfully conducted Operation Ganga and Operation Kaveri now under Operation Ajay we are bringing people back from Israel. This is the fifth flight, and we have already brought 1180 people back home. We are the first country to start the evacuation, and we are also bringing people belonging to our neighbour (Nepal) countries…,” the Minister said.
Along with Indian nationals, there were some Nepal citizens as well, who were also evacuated by India under ‘Operation Ajay’.
Ambika, a Nepali citizen who returned from Israel told ANI, “The situation in Israel is dangerous. We were scared, there were explosions. I want to thank the Indian Govt for bringing us back.
Several Nepali citizens still stranded in Israel…”
Following the evacuation, the Ambassador of Nepal to India, said, “We would like to thank the Indian Govt for bringing Nepali citizens back from Tel Aviv to Delhi. They have arrived here safely. Flights are also being sent from Nepal to evacuate Nepali citizens. There are around 4,500 Nepalis in Israel, out of which 400 have been evacuated. Nepal Govt is working to bring them back…”
Operation Ajay is an ongoing operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces to evacuate Indian citizens from Israel during the 2023 Israel-Hamas war.
The fourth flight from Israel under ‘Operation Ajay’ carrying 274 Indian passengers landed in the national capital on Sunday.
Union Minister of State General (Retd) VK Singh received the Indian passengers at the airport.
He interacted with them and also gave tricolours to every Indian passenger.
MoS for Road Transport and Highways, VK Singh informed that more flights will be carried out to evacuate the Indian citizens amid the situation in Israel.
The Indian nationals applauded the operation and said that there was support from the Indian embassy and the evacuation process was nice and quick. ‘Operation Ajay’ was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to bring back around 18,000 Indians in Israel. Registration of Indians began on Thursday.
The Indian embassy in Israel is providing assistance to Indian companies and has set up a helpline for Indian citizens in need of assistance. (ANI)
Nepal Airlines officials say the grounded planes–two 56-seater MA60 and three 17-seater Y12e–have been more trouble than they are worth..reports Asian Lite News
Nepal Airlines is selling off its Chinese planes at ‘junkyard price’, The Kathmandu Post reported.
The six aircraft acquired between 2014 and 2018, were worth Rs 6.66 billion in grants and loans. One of the planes has since crashed. The national flag carrier is asking Rs 220 million for the remaining five aircraft in an apparent effort to get rid of them as fast as possible.
Nepal Airlines officials say the grounded planes–two 56-seater MA60 and three 17-seater Y12e–have been more trouble than they are worth.
Plagued by breakdowns and lack of pilots, operating the aircraft was a massive financial strain, pushing the debt-ridden company into greater distress. In July 2020, the state-owned carrier felt it had had enough, and put all of them in deep storage.
As per The Kathmandu Post, the current asking price of Rs 220 million was determined by an independent international assessor, according to a highly-placed source at Nepal Airlines Corporation.
The official said: “That is scrap value.”
Nepal Airlines on January 19 issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a full appraisal of the two MA60 and three Y12e aircraft. The company had decided to sell the planes and spare parts as there were no takers for a lease offer despite a deadline extension.
Among the four short-listed assessors–Aviation Asset Management Inc, Fintech Aviation Services Sarl, IBA Group Limited and Ishka Ltd–American company Aviation Asset Management Inc was selected.
Nepal Airlines paid the company around USD 20,000 for the valuation report.
“Now everyone is in a dilemma, including the Nepal Airlines board, which is reluctant to consent to sell the planes at the throwaway price,” said an official at the Tourism Ministry, who wished not to be named as the appraisal report is highly confidential.
“Who will sell the Chinese planes now? No one will dare to do it,” the official said, as per The Kathmandu Post.
A spokesperson for Nepal Airlines, Ramesh Poudel, confirmed to the Post without elaborating that they had submitted the appraisal report for the Chinese planes to the Tourism Ministry last month.
“We haven’t heard anything since then.”
He said that several reports have pointed out that the Chinese-made planes were not commercially and technically viable. “As per reports, it’s not feasible to fly them. The only option is to sell them.” (ANI)
Passengers are seen at the departure hall of Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv, Israel, on Nov. 28, 2021. (Photo by Gil Cohen Magen/Xinhua/IANS)
The Nepal Airlines aircraft will fly to Israel via Dubai to repatriate about 300 Nepali citizens…reports Asian Lite News
Nepal will be sending flights from its flagship carrier — Nepal Airlines — on Wednesday evening to Israel to evacuate its citizens from Israel, who have been stranded since terrorist outfit Hamas launched ‘surprise attacks on Saturday.
As per the secretariat of Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud, the Nepal Airlines aircraft will fly to Israel via Dubai to repatriate about 300 Nepali citizens, who have registered themselves online to return to the Himalayan nation.
On Wednesday morning, Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, along with the Minister for Tourism, Sudan Kirati, convened a meeting at his official residence, directing the heads of the Civil Aviation Authority and Nepal Airlines to launch an immediate rescue mission for stranded Nepalese citizens in Israel.
As per the secretariat of the Nepal Foreign Minister, permissions have been already obtained from Israel. About 300 Nepalese citizens have already registered themselves to return from Israel.
In adherence to international safety protocols, the government is ensuring that all insurance and permit procedures are fulfilled, with necessary arrangements to be finalised in coordination with the United Arab Emirates.
The latest move of the Nepal government comes in the wake of the death of 10 students from Nepal in Kibbutz near the Gaza border after Hamas terrorists opened fire on them on Saturday. The Nepal government on Sunday confirmed the death of the students, who were in Israel under the “Learn and Earn” scheme — a 10-month internship in the agricultural sector.
Further, one Nepalese citizen remains unaccounted for after the Hamas attacks. Among the affected individuals are 49 students pursuing studies in the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences at Sudurpaschim University, part of the “Learning and Earning” programme who found themselves trapped in the conflict zone following the terror attacks.
While 32 of these students were rescued by the Israeli military and moved to safety in Tel Aviv, they are now seeking assistance to return to Nepal, as Israel intensifies its counter-offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
Amid the ongoing onslaught in Gaza, the spokesperson for the Israel Defence Force (IDF), Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, on Wednesday said 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 2,700 injured in the Hamas attacks, adding that the Israeli soldiers were ready to execute the mission in Gaza.
“Four days after Hamas breached into Israel, attacked Israeli communities, murdered and massacre Israeli citizens and took dozens of Israeli hostages into Gaza. The dead toll is staggering, a 1200 dead Israelis. The overwhelming majority of them civilians and more than 2700 wounded and sadly something tells me that these are not final numbers,” he said.
The IDF spokesperson said about 300,000 soldiers have been deployed on the Gaza border claiming that they would ensure that the Hamas will be shorn of its military capabilities by the end of the counter-offensive.
In a live video posted on X, Conricus added, “We have sent our inventory, armoured soldiers, our artillery cores and many other soldiers from the reserves. 300000 in numbers in different brigades and divisions and they are now close to the Gaza strip getting ready to execute the mission that Israeli government and that is to make sure that Hamas at the end of the war won’t have any military capabilities by which they can threaten or kill Israeli citizens.” (ANI)
According to the federal and provincial government rules, crusher plants cannot be operated within 500 metres of bridges and highways….reports Asian Lite News
The locals of Nepal’s Tinau Rural Municipality have been protesting against a Chinese crusher plant set up around a month ago near the Tinau River in Ward 3. The locals allege the plant has been operating by flouting the safety standards set by the government, The Kathmandu Post reported.
According to the chairman of the Tinau Rural Municipality Prem Shrestha, the crusher plant was set up by China State Construction Engineering Corporation, the contractor of the Siddhababa Tunnel Project.
The locals of Dobhan village, the site of the crusher plant, have been protesting, claiming that it harms the environment. Shrestha claimed that the plant’s operators did not conduct the mandatory Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) before bringing the plant into operation.
Shrestha said the crusher plant has been set up within a 50-metre radius of the Tinau River, a local forest, a suspension bridge, and a concrete bridge. It is also within 100 metres of the Siddhartha Highway.
According to the federal and provincial government rules, crusher plants cannot be operated within 500 metres of bridges and highways.
“After the locals launched a petition against the plant demanding that it should be shut down immediately, we asked the company to submit the IEE or EIA reports, but they did not have any. We then asked them to provide us with approval documents from related government agencies but they did not have those either,” said Shrestha. “Later a tripartite discussion was held between the construction company, the locals, and the rural municipality, in which we gave the company some time to submit the necessary documents and continue work in a way that would not harm the environment.”
The locals, however, were unhappy with the new arrangement and launched a social media campaign against the crusher plant.
Raju Pandey, a local of Ward 3 of Tinau, said that the crusher plant has continued excavations in violation of the tripartite agreement. He claimed that the agreement was that the company would stop operation until it submitted the approval documents, but they have still been using heavy machinery, excavators, and tipper trucks, among others.
“If we let them continue the work, it will have an adverse and irreversible impact on the river, forest, the bridges and human settlements. The rural municipality should not have agreed to let them continue the excavations without proper documents and assessments. We are against the local unit’s decision.”
According to government guidelines related to the excavation of riverbed materials, the use of excavators and loaders is prohibited during excavation in national forests, parks, reserves, buffer zone areas, protected areas, and other sensitive areas like the Chure (one of the three major hill systems in Nepal). The crusher operators can use only those equipment, machines, and vehicles approved in the EIA or IEE reports. (ANI)
It was a few months back when Soman had sent Aanand to Israel for ten months under the “Learn and Earn” scheme for the practical of BSc Agriculture….reports Asian Lite News
Family members of Aanand Sah, one of the Nepalese students killed by Hamas terrorists in Israel are shocked and grief-stricken.
His mother Shivakali Devi lost her conscience after losing her 22-year-old son who was the only bread earner of the family.
Aanand Sah’s father Soman Sah breaks down whenever flashbacks of his son run on his mind not knowing what to do next. It was a few months back when Soman had sent Aanand to Israel for ten months under the “Learn and Earn” scheme for the practical of BSc Agriculture.
Soman Sah said, “He went to Israel for further studies. He was outstanding amongst the students who were on the fray, out of more than 100 students only 50 were selected through interviews. There were no charges for application, visa and flight fare, only the personal expenses need to be incurred by us. I took the loan of 300 thousand and then sent him. I am just a farmer and have mortgaged the lands for it.”
According to the family members, Aanand since his early childhood had a keen interest in agriculture and was on his way to making a career in the same field. Upon getting selected for the scheme to go to Israel for practical he had planned to return back and start working in the field of agriculture, Soman recalled.
“Papa I want to go Israel for technical education, Israel is one of the best places in the world for agriculture and I will learn more technical knowledge and can use it in Nepal later but now he is gone,” Soman broke down as he recalled the conversation with his son.
The Sudur Paschim University where Aanand was studying on full scholarship, had sent 50 students to Israel for ten months practical and was killed in an ongoing terrorist attack by the Hamas terrorist group which started Saturday. The family of Aanand is still unaware of the circumstances under which he lost his life as the authorities are yet to contact the family.
Soman Sah said, “There has been no contact from anyone from the Nepalese authorities, neither there has been communication from the college where he was studying in Israel.”
“We came to know about it through the news, ‘bauwa’ friend informed us after seeing it on the news and messaged us on the phone that he is gone,” said the father calling his son with the pet name “Bauwa” meaning lovely son.
As per the family, Aanand wasn’t able to attend the classes in Israel because he needed to deposit a fee of USD 5088 to enroll in the class starting on October 12, 2023. In order to support the family and reduce pressure on the family, Aanand has started working on a farm. The family doesn’t have any details about the farm where he was working or the university where he was supposed to enroll.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to contact the families of the 10 deceased students nor has any state mechanism offered condolence to the families.
Nepal’s government has called on its citizens residing in Israel to register themselves online as it plans to repatriate them. The Israeli Police confirmed the deaths of the 10 Nepal students. The toll is expected to go up as some of the injured are in serious condition and there are others who are yet to be contacted.
The Embassy of Nepal issued a notice, calling on distressed Nepal citizens to register themselves as operations at the Tel Aviv-based airport are proceeding without disruption enabling passage of flights, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a late-night release issued on Sunday stated, “We have requested the Israeli government to promptly identify and arrange for repatriation of the deceased Nepal nationals, as well as to ensure the rescue and appropriate medical treatment for the injured.”
To make the process smoother, online registration is being prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nepal Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israel government. “This registration will collect crucial details from Nepalese citizens wishing to return to Nepal from Israel,” the statement added.
As the fighting enters the third day, about 10 Nepalese students have been killed who were in Israel under the ‘Learn and Earn’ program supported by the Israeli government. The deceased- students from Sudur Paschim University of Nepal fell victim to an attack by Hamas, according to the official statement. (ANI)
Candlelight Vigil Held
Dozens of students held a candlelight vigil on the premises of Patan Durbar Square here commemorating the 10 Nepali students killed by Hamas in Israel.
The members of the Nepal Student Union observed a minute of silence on Monday evening and lit candles while they stood in line holding banners and placards that read “Heartfelt condolence” and “Pray for World Peace” and called for prompt rescue of remaining Nepali citizens trapped in Israel.
The 10 Nepali students who were flown to Israel under the “Learn and Earn” scheme of the Israeli Government fell victim to the attack of the Hamas terror group. The Nepal Embassy in Tel Aviv late on Sunday evening confirmed the death of Nepali citizens as well as stated some were in critical condition and some were missing.
“Today we are gathered here to commemorate the fallen 10 Nepali agriculture students who lost their lives in the ongoing fight between Israel and Hamas, they (Nepali students) were in Israel for an Internship and have been killed. The whole nation is now mourning and is in complete shock,” Dipendra Regmi, one of the participants of the vigil ceremony told ANI.
According to the Foreign Minister of Nepal, there are about 4,500 Nepali working as caregivers in Israel whereas 265 additional Nepali students are in Israel participating in the learning and earning programmes, sponsored by the Israeli government.
During Sunday’s address at the parliament, Foreign Minister NP Saud stated that 119 students from Agriculture and Forestry University, 97 from Tribhuvan University, and 49 from Far-Western University were flown to Israel lately.
Notably, 17 of the 49 students from Sudur Paschim University were studying in Kibbutz Alumim, located in southern Israel close to border areas with Gaza. The Foreign Minister in his address had mentioned 10 students to be out of contact who by late evening were confirmed dead.
In addition, the Foreign Minister also stated that 4 of the 17 students from Sudur Paschim University have sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. (ANI)
Israeli fighter jets strike Gaza military post in response to rocket fire
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has condemned the unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists while extending his sympathies to the injured Nepalese citizens in Israel…..reports Asian Lite News
After at least 10 students from Nepal were killed in the ongoing attack by Hamas terrorists in Israel, the Nepal government has called on its citizens residing in Israel to register themselves online as it plans to repatriate them.
The Israeli Police confirmed the deaths of the 10 Nepal students. The toll is expected to go up as some of the injured are in serious condition and there are others who are yet to be contacted.
The Embassy of Nepal issued a notice, calling on distressed Nepal citizens to register themselves as operations at the Tel Aviv-based airport are proceeding without disruption enabling passage of flights, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a late-night release issued on Sunday stated, “We have requested the Israeli government to promptly identify and arrange for repatriation of the deceased Nepal nationals, as well as to ensure the rescue and appropriate medical treatment for the injured.”
To make the process smoother, online registration is being prepared in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nepal Embassy in Tel Aviv and the Israel government.
“This registration will collect crucial details from Nepali citizens wishing to return to Nepal from Israel,” the statement added.
“As the fighting enters the third day, about 10 Nepali students has been confirmed killed who were in Israel under the “Learn and Earn” program supported by Israeli government. The deceased- students from Sudur Paschim University of Nepal fell victim to an attack by the Palestinian militant group- Hamas,” according to the official statement.
According to Israeli local media cited by the Times of Israel, more than 700 Israelis have died since October 7 when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack in Israel. According to Israeli government, over 2000 people have been injured in the attack. According to the Government Press Office, a body that operates under the Israeli PM’s office, over 100 people have been taken as hostages in Gaza.
On Sunday, Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud while addressing the house session announced the formation of a mechanism to coordinate and rescue the distressed citizens from Israel.
“The mechanism formed under the supervision of the Foreign Minister has been assigned to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and rescue of Nepali citizens in Israel,” the statement noted.
To further extend help, the ministry also released contact details for officials from the Nepal Embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, “urging affected individuals to remain in contact with them and maintain vigilance during this challenging period.”
The Israeli citizens can contact them on +972(0)35168085, or the Ambassador Kanta Rizal at +972545864423, or First Secretary Arjun Ghimire at +972528289300. They can also email them to “nepal.embassy@012.net.il”.
Earlier, In a post shared on X, NP Saud said, “The latest update on the attack in Israel’s southern region since 6:30 AM (Nepali Time), Oct. 7, 2023, and its repercussions on Nepalis in the affected area are as follows: At present, there are approximately 4,500 Nepali nationals serving as caregivers in Israel. Additionally, 265 Nepali students are participating in Israel’s learning and earning program, sponsored by the Israeli government.”
Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has condemned the unprecedented attack by Hamas terrorists while extending his sympathies to the injured Nepalese citizens in Israel..
In a statement shared on X, Dahal stated, “I unequivocally condemn the terrorist attack in Israel this morning. Nine of the Nepalis have been reportedly injured. At this critical hour, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to injured Nepalis and other innocent victims and their families.”
Further, the Nepal Foreign Ministry stated that it was in close contact with citizens living in Israel and was facilitating the medical assistance of the injured. (ANI)
Major General Alok Kacker was received at Tribhuvan International Airport by Colonel Amit Kumar Sharma, Defence Attaché of India to Nepal and officials of the Indian Embassy….reports Asian Lite News
General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Madhya Uttar Pradesh Sub Area (MUPSA) Major General Alok Kacker and Colonel of the 9th Gorkha Rifles Regiment 9 went on a six-day official visit to Nepal.
He arrived in Kathmandu on September 25.
Major General Alok Kacker was received at Tribhuvan International Airport by Colonel Amit Kumar Sharma, Defence Attaché of India to Nepal and officials of the Indian Embassy.
He felicitated Gallantry awardees and veernaris at a rally in Pokhara. The General Officer also virtually inaugurated the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Type-E Polyclinic (Mobile Medical Unit) Bhojpur from Kathmandu.
The polyclinic would be a lifeline for Indian Army veterans and their families residing in and around remote areas of Bhojpur. It will provide doorstep healthcare services for more than five thousand Indian Army veterans and their families in the Far East region.
Major General Alok Kacker concluded his visit on October 1, 2023.
India-Nepal power trade
In a bid that will bolster bilateral energy cooperation, now Indian states can directly buy electricity from Nepal.
This agreement was reached during the 14th meeting of the Joint Technical Team ( JTT) on Wednesday in New Delhi, according to the Nepali side.
Both sides also reached an understanding on increasing the quantum of power to be traded through the Dhalkehar -Muzaffarpur cross – border transmission line and accelerating the – construction of cross-border lines to boos the power trade.
Any Indian undertaking that is in the power trading business can sell and buy electricity through a 132 kv transmission line, said Prabal Adhikari, head of the energy trade department of Nepal Electricity Authority, the power trade between Nepal and any Indian states will be signed at Energy Secretary level.
The agreement comes in operation and execution only after signing the deal whose meeting is expected to convene soon.
Those states who want to procure electricity from Nepal should propose first to India’s state power agency for approval.
In order to implement the agreement, two dedicated 132 kv transmission lines between Nepal and India will be used for power export from Nepal to Indian states like Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh among others. Nepal and India are going to complete the construction of 132 kv new Nautanwa – Mainaiya line and Kohalpur – Nanpara line which will be used for the import and export of power besides the 400 kv Dhalkehar – Muzaffarpur cross – border transmission line.
India’s Sutluj Jal Vidyut Nigam which is currently developing a 900 MW Arun – III hydropower project is building a 400 kv Dhalkebar – Sitamarhi line that is expected to evacuate up to 2,000 MW.
Now India is going to give access to Nepal to use this line for power export and import from the country. Earlier, this line was exclusively built to power export being produced in Arun III and two other projects.
As of now, Nepal and India are trading business only through the 400 kv Dhalkehar – Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line. The meeting also decided to upgrade the capacity of the Dhalkewar-Muzaffarpur cross-border transmission line which has a capacity for importing and exporting 600-MW of electricity.
After strengthening of this transmission line, Nepal can sell 800 MW of electricity to India.
In the last joint steering committee meeting held in February, both sides agreed to increase the volume of power to be traded via the 400kv Dhalkehar – Muzaffarpur cross – border line from 600 MW to 800 MW.
As energy trade becomes a key foundation between Nepal and India, both countries are planning to constitute several cross-border transmission lines.
Besides, the 400KV Dhalkehar-Muzaffarpur cross-border line, both nations are also constructing Hetuda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa line. Another 400 kV transmission line that is under construction between the two countries is Dodhara-Bareilly which is expected to complete by 2028-29. (ANI/IANS)
The two sides acknowledged the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Nepal and China on bilateral cooperation…reports Asian Lite News
Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ emphasized that his recent trip to China has significantly bolstered mutual trust and played a pivotal role in solidifying the longstanding bonds between the two neighbouring nations.
Addressing Parliament, the 68-year-old leader highlighted that his dialogues with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang during the visit have elevated Nepal-China relations to unprecedented levels.
Meanwhile, upon arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Dahal did not speak about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s flagship project Belt and Road Initiative, Nepal-based The Kathmandu Post reported.
Both the 40-point press note issued in Kathmandu and the question-answer session with journalists found no mention of the BRI as Pushpa Kamal Dahal said nothing regarding his discussion with the Chinese leaders on executing some projects under the BRI, according to The Kathmandu Post report.
According to the press note, discussions took place on connecting Nepal and Tibet through railway, road, air service, transmission line and information highway, putting the project under the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network. However, BRI was mentioned in the joint statement released on September 27.
The two sides acknowledged the signing of the memorandum of understanding between the governments of Nepal and China on bilateral cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative on 12 May 2017. According to the statement, the two nations expressed their commitment to accelerating the consultations to finalise the text of the BRI Implementation Plan at an early date.
Before his visit to China, Nepal’s PM had publicly announced that he would discuss about BRI implementation plan in Beijing. He had also stated that Nepal would seek a Chinese grant for a mega project. However, it was not mentioned in the joint communique and press statement released on Saturday.
Dahal said he had taken up the issue of Nepal’s new map in Beijing without giving further details. On August 26, China released its “2023 edition of the standard map of China” that did not use the new Nepal map issued in May 2020.
In the weeks since, there have been calls to take up the matter with the Chinese side. The International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives also asked the Nepal government to call on the Chinese authorities to use the new Nepal map instead of the old one.
Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal then called Chinese Ambassador Chen Song to the ministry and expressed Nepal’s concerns regarding the map and some controversial remarks on Nepal-China relations by the envoy, according to an official at the prime minister’s private secretariat.
In response to a question, Nepal’s PM said, “We had already discussed the map issue with the Chinese side. It figured during my visit too.”
In a statement issued on September 1, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the country’s stance stands firm on its political and administrative map unanimously approved by Parliament in 2020. However, the map issue was not mentioned in the joint communique or any statements released by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the prime minister’s private secretariat and the Nepali Embassy in Beijing.
Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal said an understanding was reached between Nepal and China to open all checkpoints that were in operation before the coronavirus pandemic.
Dahal departed for New York on September 16 to attend the 78th session of the UN General Assembly. During his visit, he participated in bilateral meetings with some foreign leaders on the sidelines of the UNGA in New York.
He said that Nepal’s participation in the UNGA had worked towards getting international support for taking the remaining tasks of the peace process to a logical conclusion. After concluding his visit to New York, he travelled to China.
During his visit, he attended the opening ceremony of the 19th Asian Games and held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He also met his Chinese counterpart and witnessed the signing of 12 bilateral agreements and pacts. (with inputs from agencies)
Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal walks tightrope in Beijing, signs host of agreements with China but not one under Belt and Road Initative (BRI), writes Prithvi Shrestha…reports Asian Lite News
Nepal and China have signed several agreements during Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s ongoing visit to Beijing but not one has been categorised as a Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project.
The two sides, however, expressed readiness to deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, connectivity, trade, tourism and investment while further deepening Belt and Road engagements to deliver greater benefits to their peoples, according to the Joint Statement issued after the delegation level meeting between Dahal and his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Qiang on Monday. By not endorsing BRI, Dahal has kept India’s senisitivities in mind, as New Delhi opposes BRI as it infringes its sovereignty. The China Paksitan Economic Corridor, BRI’s flagship project passes through Gilgit Baltistan, which India says is part of its sovereign territory.
The two sides agreed to launch the construction of the Jilong/Kerung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime 220 KV Cross-Border Power Transmission line at an early date.
Even though the main focus of BRI is to enhance connectivity, the project that is aimed at diversifying Nepal’s electricity supply chain away from India, was not brought under the BRI umbrella.
In fact, the Nepali embassy in China didn’t mention a word about BRI when it issued a press statement on Monday after the delegation level meeting.
“We heard that Prime Minister Dahal expressed his commitment to implement BRI. But the Nepali embassy failing to mention anything about BRI is surprising,” Rajeshwar Acharya, former Nepali ambassador to China, told India Narrative.
According to foreign policy experts, besides the 220KV transmission line project, the two sides failed to sign agreements on connectivity projects and none of the agreements signed fell under the BRI ambit.
Nepal and China signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on BRI in May 2017 but so far, no project has been developed under the mega infrastructure project.
Though the Chinese embassy in Nepal categorised Pokhara International Airport in western Nepal as BRI project in June, Nepal Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud rejected the claim in Parliament saying that two sides are yet to reach agreement on BRI implementation plan.
According to the joint statement, two sides expressed their commitments to accelerate the consultations to finalise the text on the BRI Implementation Plan at an early date.
“One of the important bones of contention is whether Nepal would accept grants or loans or both from China,” Former Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka told the India Narrative in a recent interview. “We are in favour of implementing the BRI projects through grants.”
Nepal is concerned about taking loans from China, which may be available at higher interest rates. That apart, there is concern about the financial viability of many connectivity projects including the cross border railway. This, according to Khadka, is a matter of concern even if the Chinese side makes funds available in the form of grants or soft loans.
Nepal also failed to endorse the Global Security Initiative (GSI) Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) proposed by the Chinese side, reflected in the joint statement.
“The Nepali side supports the GDI proposed by China, and will consider joining the Group of Friends of the GDI,” the joint statement says. Nepal, however, has been reluctant to support the GSI which Prime Minister Dahal clarified, in an interview with Nepali newspaper- Kantipur—published on Sunday.
Dahal stated that China is initiating the GSI, the GCI and the GDI. “Among these, there is no hesitation to participate in the GDI,” he said. “But we cannot wade into security-related issues. It is our stated policy not to be under the umbrella of any side. Ours is a non-aligned foreign policy. On the other hand, we are saying the American Indo-Pacific Strategy and State Partnership Program are part of security initiatives. If we are not taking part in one initiative [IPS, SPP], we cannot join others too,” Dahal had stated.
Nepali embassy’s statement on Monday did not mention anything on Kathmandu’s position on these Chinese initiatives.
According to the joint statement, the two sides agreed that the Dahal’s visit was of great significance to advancing the China-Nepal Strategic Partnership of Cooperation.
China, failing to receive a nod from Nepal in its vital initiatives, raised questions about whether two countries enjoy strategic partnership.
When Chinese President Xi visited Nepal in October 2019, it was described as a high point of bilateral relations. During his visit to Nepal for the first time in 23 years, the two sides had decided to elevate Nepal-China Comprehensive Partnership of Cooperation to Strategic Partnership of Cooperation according to a joint statement issued after Xi’s visit.
But notably, nothing was made clear what the strategic partnership entailed with many wondering if the pact had a military dimension that could invite the ire of New Delhi.
“It appears that two sides reached agreement on neither BRI nor other initiatives launched by China. This has created doubt whether they have any strategic partnership,” said Acharya, former Nepali ambassador to China. “It may be due to a trust deficit between the two sides.”
Earlier, Dahal had avoided visiting Boao Forum in March despite Beijing’s invitation as he waited for the New Delhi visit first. He paid a visit to India in late May and early June.
When Dahal became Prime Minister for the first time in 2008, he had first visited Beijing, breaking the long-held tradition of Nepali Prime Ministers visiting the southern neighbour first.
In February, Prime Minister Dahal ditched his then coalition partner CPN (UML) which had supported him to become Prime Minister in December last year. Many consider this coalition was forged at the behest of Beijing but remained short lived with many blaming New Delhi’s hands in breaking this alliance. Then, Dahal returned to the old coalition partner—Nepali Congress and has been running the government with the country’s largest party’s support along with the other smaller political parties.
Meanwhile, foreign policy analysts said that Dahal appears to have failed to regain trust of Beijing during this visit. Vijay Kant Karna, former Nepali ambassador to Denmark and a close observer on Nepal’s foreign policy, told India Narrative that Nepal’s continued reluctance to endorse GSI and GCI was a setback for Beijing even though it was the right call on the part of the Nepali Prime Minister.
“Nepal cannot be part of any military alliance,” he said. “How would Nepal respond if India also asks Nepal to sign to be part of its own military alliance?”
On the other hand, Nepal refused to endorse Beijing’s template of BRI implementation plan as it is. “With Nepal failing to endorse Beijing on a number of China’s interests, there is no sign of strategic partnership between Nepal and China,” said Karna. “Nepal’s obvious Beijing-friendly policies adopted since 2016 have taken a break. Such a policy was taken to end New Delhi’s hegemony in Nepal,” said Karna.
However, even as Nepal and China failed to reach consensus on the BRI Implementation Plan, GSI and GCI, the Chinese side has secured Nepal’s support against Taiwan Independence.
While Nepal had been supporting the view that Taiwan is an inalienable part of Chinese territory, it is for the first time Nepal stated that the Nepali side is against “Taiwan independence.”
The Nepali side reiterated that Tibet affairs are China’s internal affairs, and that it will never allow any separatist activities against China on Nepal’s soil. “Based on the joint statement, we can assume that China feels its security has been threatened and it wants unequivocal support about its position on the ‘One China Policy,’” Dinesh Bhattarai, former foreign policy advisor to then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said. “China could secure such support from Nepal.”
According to the joint statement, China also insisted on cooperation on law enforcement between the two sides with both agreeing to further strengthen information exchange, capacity building and cooperation on training between their law enforcement institutions. “This suggests China is more concerned about the security of Tibet,” Bhattarai said.
When it comes to agreements signed during Dahal’s visit, Nepal’s foreign policy experts questioned whether signing those agreements required visits from Nepali Prime Minister.
Besides signing agreements on the cross border power line, the two sides also signed an agreement on enhancing the digital economy and development of green and low-carbon energy and an agreement to cooperate for the development of agriculture, livestock and fisheries. They also reached agreement on the protocol of phytosanitary requirement for the export of plants from Nepal for medicinal production in China.
The northern neighbour expressed readiness to speed up the approval process for the export of cooked buffalo meat products from Nepal to China, which Kathmandu and Beijing view as a positive step towards reducing trade imbalances between the two countries.
Signing of MoU on the establishment of Joint Technical Working Group to review and modify Nepal-China Trade and Payment Agreement signed in 1981 and consensus reached in translating the publication of ancient texts are among the other bilateral agreements signed during Dahal’s visit.
The two sides also signed an agreement to cooperate in the fields of science, technology and innovation as well as another MoU on construction of Hilsa-Simikot Road in western Nepal was signed.
“Majority of agreement signed during Dahal’s visit would not require Prime Minister-level visits,” said Acharya, former Nepali ambassador to China.
He revealed that he had suggested to the Prime Minister before his departure to New York that he should seriously discuss with the Chinese side about Nepal’s massive trade deficit with its northern neighbour, allegation of border encroachment from China and a recent map published by China that had invited criticism from several countries in China’s neighbourhood.
Nepal also opposed Chinese maps about its border after it failed to include Nepal-claimed Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura region into Nepal’s territory even though Nepal in 2020 had brought these regions under its political map inviting scorn from India, which also claimed these regions as its own.
“I think there is certain political distrust between the two sides (Nepal and China) as political leadership in Nepal is divided over whether there has been border encroachment from China,” Acharya said. “Misunderstanding between Nepal and China came into the open once the Chinese embassy categorised Pokhara International Airport as a part of BRI.”
