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.
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin May 19, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Straits Times dergisinin May 19, 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
NORRIS RIDES A WAVE OF SUPPORT
Briton gets congratulations from peers and politicians after breakthrough win in Miami
I DIDN'T WANT TO GO HOME: MITCHELL
Cavs’ Game 7 hero says they are in play-offs to win and will be ready for the Celtics
SPEECH INSPIRES ACS(I) TO VICTORY
‘Psyched up’ by the sidelined Jeremiah, they beat St Andrew’s to regain B Div rugby title
KRANJI'S VERY BIG 220 SURPRISE
Stunner saves Class 5 dweller from M’sia trip, gives Espindola 100 per cent record
Expanding global outreach among priorities for SICCI as it turns lOO
Digitalisation and sustainability are two other focus areas for trade association
Indonesia's QI GDP growth beats forecasts but outlook uncertain
Keeping strong pace will be hard due to tight local monetary policy, global factors
Qantas to pay $89m penalty over 'ghost flights'
Aussie airline will also compensate those who bought tickets on flights already axed
Luxury watch investment firm found to be in breach of contract
A company founded by Singaporean watch expert Dominic Khoo that runs a luxury timepiece investment scheme has been found by the High Court to have breached its contractual obligations to five investors from Hong Kong.
Jail for scam mastermind who cheated company director of 1.5m
Man who devised loan ruse to dupe victim into handing over sum gets 5-year sentence
End of an era
Thambi Magazine Store in Holland Village closes down after more than 80 years