Triangle: India/Nepal/China – A Study in Treaty Relations

For ages, India has had a close and unique relationship with Nepal. Across the open border between the two countries millions of people travel to each other’s country for their livelihood, for pleasure and social contacts. The border for all practical purposes does not exist and there is nor hassle of passports and visas, almost unparalleled anywhere in the world. Yet the political and diplomatic relations between the two countries have not been uniformly good. India’s ties with the two close neighbnours, Nepal and China, and their interrelationship form the subject of this book. To a substantial extent, Chinese foreign policy has influenced the course of Nepal’s relations with India. A triangle is thus formed which is explored here in the context of treaties and agreements. Nepal is the focus of the book but India’s relations with China are also examined in depth. The relevant treaties are reproduced for ready reference. India’s ties with her neighbours have been close and special importance is attached to them in the framing and conduct of foreign policy. But the experience has not been uniformly happy. The problems encountered in the Indian policy towards Nepal and China have been discussed here in detail.