Modi's Nepal visit a push for India's neighbourhood diplomacy: Analysts

Outreach in region also seen as bid to counter Beijing's growing influence

- Nirmala Ganapathy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has described India's ties with Nepal as "unshakeable as the Himalayas" during his visit to the country this week, as New Delhi sees an opportunity to firm up its position in Nepal as part of its neighbourhood diplomacy to counter the growing influence of Beijing, said analysts.

India has stepped up its outreach in the region, aided in recent months by friendlier governments that have come to power and by disquiet over China's economic clout.

The country has deepened security ties with Maldives recently, handing over a coastal radar system while stepping up to help Sri Lanka through an economic crisis.

In Nepal, New Delhi is seeking to stabilise ties under the regime of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who came to power in July last year, replacing Mr K.P. Sharma Oli, who was seen to be pro-China.

Mr Modi's visit to Nepal on Monday revolved around cultural diplomacy with a trip to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, where he visited the Maya Devi temple, watered the holy Bodhi tree and participated in the "Shilanyas", a ceremony that entails laying the first stone for the construction of an India International Centre for Buddhist Culture and Heritage.