30th November 2024 (10 Topics)

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Nepal's Dilemma Over Signing the BRI Agreement

Context

Nepal's Prime Minister, K.P. Sharma Oli, is preparing for a visit to China. The key issue during this visit is whether or not he should sign an implementation plan for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global infrastructure and economic development plan proposed by China. This decision is causing a significant debate in Nepal's ruling coalition.

BRI in Nepal:

Nepal joined the BRI in 2017, proposing 35 projects under the initiative, but this was later reduced to just nine. However, none of these projects have begun yet, and the funding details remain unclear.
The Pokhara International Airport, built with Chinese funds, is one such project but is underused, with no international flights. There are concerns that it might become a "white elephant," a project with high costs but little benefit.
What’s at Stake:
Nepal views the BRI mainly as loan assistance for infrastructure development. However, China sees it as a broader diplomatic strategy to enhance its global influence and economic ties with countries like Nepal.
The Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, has been active in pushing for the BRI, even labeling ongoing projects like the Pokhara Airport as part of the BRI, which is controversial because the airport began before Nepal signed the agreement.

Oli's Geopolitical Balancing Act:

India’s Concerns: India is wary of China's growing influence in Nepal, especially since Nepal's relationship with India has become strained, particularly after the 2015 border blockade and the controversial 2020 map dispute over the Kalapani region.
India has traditionally been Nepal’s key partner in trade and development. But Oli’s push for closer ties with China has raised concerns in India. Some believe that Nepal’s alignment with China through the BRI could upset the region’s balance of power.
The S. is also concerned about the growing Chinese footprint in Nepal, as seen when China criticized a U.S.-funded $500 million grant to Nepal.

Fact Box:

What is Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)—also known as the One Belt and One Road Initiative or the New Silk Road, is an ambitious plan to develop two new trade routes connecting China with the rest of the world. But the initiative is about far more than infrastructure.
The BRI was established with two primary components:
- Silk Road Economic Belt: The Economic Belt part of the strategy aims to build and expand land routes for people and commerce across Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia and Asia
- 21st Century Maritime Silk Road: The Maritime Road component consists of plans for expanded sea routes across East Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
One of the largest and most notable BRI projects to date is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
- Launched in 2015, the CPEC is a trade corridor that connects Pakistan's Gwadar port on the Arabian Sea with Kashgar, a city in China's western Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.
As of December 2023, about 150 countries worldwide have signed MoU on BRI.
Of the 150 countries that have either signed an MoU or contracted for BRI projects, 44 are in Sub-saharan Africa, 17 in the European Union, 17 others in Europe and Central Asia, 31 in East Asia and South East Asia, 22 in South America and 19 in West Asia-North Africa.

India’s Concerns wrt BRI:

India is of the opinion that the inclusion of the so-called CPEC which passes through parts of the Indian state of Jammu & Kashmir under illegal occupation of Pakistanas a flagship project of BRI, reflects lack of appreciation of India’s concerns on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Indian Government firmly believes that connectivity initiatives must be based on the universally recognized international norms, good governance, rule of law, openness, transparency, and equality, and must be pursued in a manner that respects sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

30th November 2024 (10 Topics)

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Nepal's Dilemma Over Signing the BRI Agreement

BRI in Nepal:

Oli's Geopolitical Balancing Act:

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Nepal's Dilemma Over Signing the BRI Agreement

BRI in Nepal:

Oli's Geopolitical Balancing Act:

Fact Box:

Still Have Questions?

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