By Shaikh Moazam Khan
The Italian thinker Antonio Gramsci coined “morbid symptoms” in international system as pervasive sign considering the security dilemma between states. The security dilemma has swept the India, Nepal, and China nexus in this ongoing scenario. The major factor constituting vulnerability at Himalayan region is Indian aggressive move to contain Sino-Nepal bond. India has set hostile strategic relations with its neighbors throughout the history. This impulse is beating with pace considering the Belt and Road Initiative by China. Indian move to contain China through aggressive moves is facing a downward slides due to China’s retreat. China emerging bond with Nepal and other regional states is matter of concern for India.
India’s hostile moves across the South Asian Region are establishing its hegemonic designs. Previously, India absorbed Hyderabad Deccan, Junagarh, Goa, and also annexed Jammu and Kashmir valley, and Nagaland. It has fought wars against China, Pakistan, and also clash with Sri Lanka and Maldives. Moreover, along with territorial disputes, India has long set the stage over water with Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. The scenario provided that Indian morbid symptoms exists in the nature of its policies which is contrary to its long term designs.
The Chanakya’s roar over the kingdom of Nepal seems quite inevitable with the development of link road to connect India with Kailash Mansarover of China via Lipulekh region, a Nepali territory. The India infringement witnessed set back when Nepali govt. staged protest over this move. The twitter and social media was abuzz trending #HandsofNepal plus# GobackIndia like slogans. Though the Indian lenses seems optimistic for its good but its offensive in nature. The Indian free style moves over regional sovereigns will deteriorate itself due to instability paradox in the region. Indian external affairs responded by using sacred tool that the route already exits for the pilgrim to perform Yatra in Kailash Mansarover, a Chinese territory, which is disputed. The chanakyan tactics is facing resistance because India is violating treaties and obligation to international law. Such absurd Indian jugglery is extending in the Gilgit Baltistan region to encounter the BRI flagship project connecting the whole region for economic prosperity.
The Sugauli Treaty between Nepal and East India Company in 1816 marked Kalapani river as the western border of Nepal. India considered it begins from Kalapani village while Nepal pointed out the Lipulekh Pass as starting point. The Indian violation of this treaty meant to swallow Nepalese territory. Will this move establish Indian hegemony in the region through coercive means to approach its objectives? The Indian diplomatic credibility among the regional powers has already low ranked status. The MAD (Modi-Amit-Doval) circus has forgotten the Sikh ranks and files during 80s revolt. Nepalese Gorkhas resentment among the Indian Army has a precedent to defy the authority which is responsible for Operation Blue Star like strategies. Furthermore, India has violated many times the Indo-Nepal Treaty of 1950. According to the treaty, Indians cannot buy lands and start business in their own names and the law also does not permit an open border. The treaty was signed like on a gun point due to potential threat of India by undemocratic regime in the Nepal. It violated the whims and wishes of Nepalese. It is tantamount to the marginalization of citizens of Nepal, particularly the Pahari segments.
The Belt and Road Initiative is blessing for Nepal due to its connectivity with regional and domestic economies. India is trying to thwart the China’s BRI over Himalayas. Most of the undemarcated border between China and India has witnessed concurrent skirmishes and a total war in 1962. Historically, both the emerging economies halted their development due to security considerations. This backlash has set the stage again. Several clashes and troops movement in the surrounding of Ladakh by both the states is alarming amid the pandemic. Over the paralyzed nature of Indian leadership, several Indian analysts are criticizing their leadership. Many are of the view that India must stand by over its move to Gilgit Baltistan and BRI. Some of the intelligentsia recommended that India must take part in BRI for the public good of region as a whole. The ongoing slots in Indian media is embarrassing for Indian Army being captured by Chinese Army. After the Abinandhan episode, this is another representation of lack of professional skills and policies by Indian leadership and army. The leadership like Bipin Rawat, Doval and Modi must be sacked which brought this shame to a vibrant economic giant like India. India deserves a better visionary leadership.
India resides with the geographical centrality in the region who can contribute to major shifts in at inter-regional and intra-regional developments. Unfortunately, it enjoys bitter relations among all SAARC states and most of them are reluctant to join hands with India due to its vicious policies and political changes that are happening in India. Amid the pandemic, another shock for BJP and RSS followers is the cyclone Amphan Andes in Ladakh. After the terrible curfew in the valley, these shocks are some kind of Karma for Hindu pandits who wishes to enjoy glory of Stone Age empires in 21st century.