India-Nepal relations have long been shaped by historical perceptions as much as by political and geographical realities. The legacy of colonial British-era attitudes toward Nepal remains ingrained in the Indian bureaucratic mindset, influencing Indian policies on Nepal to this day. On the other hand, Nepal has historically had a deep-seated wariness toward India – an apprehension shaped by British and later Indian interventions in Nepal and the region.
Many books on Nepal-India relations written by Indian authors take a preachy tone, often portraying Nepal’s political class as duplicitous and solely responsible for tensions in the relationship – a holdover of British perceptions. The argument in these books blames the inconsistencies and lack of strategic clarity among Nepali politicians for the troubled bilateral ties. While Nepal’s political class certainly shares some blame, these narratives conveniently overlook the role of Indian bureaucrats, politicians and the security establishment in perpetuating Kathmandu’s insecurity.
K.V. Rajan and Atul K. Thakur
Kathmandu Chronicle: Reclaiming India-Nepal Relations
Penguin, 2024
Kathmandu Chronicle by K.V. Rajan, a former Indian ambassador to Nepal, and Atul K. Thakur, a policy analyst, offers a refreshing departure from this one-sided discourse. The book provides a more balanced examination of the challenges and opportunities in Nepal-India relations. It does not exonerate Nepali politicians but acknowledges the deep-seated biases in New Delhi that have hindered meaningful progress in the relationship. At the same time, it critiques the tendency of Nepali intellectuals and politicians to romanticise China’s role while looking at India-Nepal dynamics through a black and white lens.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its ability to place Nepal-India relations within a broader geopolitical framework – an aspect often overlooked by Nepali authors when analysing India’s actions or reactions toward Nepal. The book highlights a fundamental issue at the core of bilateral tensions: a lack of mutual empathy.
“There is a certain absence of mutual empathy: India is unable to fully understand Nepal’s yearning for equality and sovereign space, and Nepal, in turn, is unable to understand India’s geopolitical compulsions.”
While Kathmandu often perceives India’s actions as interference, New Delhi views its involvement as essential for regional stability, as it must constantly juggle multiple priorities. This disconnect has resulted in decades of diplomatic missteps and tensions. Although the 1950 Treaty explicitly states that both countries should consult each other on defence matters, New Delhi – like any major power – rarely feels compelled to do so. In the absence of broader context and prior consultations, it is no wonder that Nepali leaders fail to empathise with Indian interest or action, further deepening cycles of mistrust.
One of the book’s most interesting sections is its critique of the Indian bureaucratic mindset. The authors argue that Indian diplomats and policymakers often approach Nepal with a sense of entitlement.
The book recounts an anecdote from Pranab Mukherjee, one of India’s most influential political figures, who candidly admitted: “Your problem is not so much Nepal but the pettiness of the Indian bureaucratic mindset.”
The book is equally scathing in its critique of Nepali authors and intellectuals who romanticise China’s role. The book argues that many Nepali writers frame India-Nepal relations in an overly simplistic, reductionist manner – often portraying China as a benevolent counterbalance to Indian interference.
Many Nepali authors often lack a comprehensive, 360-degree perspective on bilateral relations – one that an Indian ambassador would naturally have, perhaps even more so than a Nepali diplomat. However, my main criticism of this book is that it misses an opportunity to equally address the heavily skewed and one-sided narratives frequently promoted by Indian authors on Nepal.
The book also highlights how Nepal’s so-called “China card” has often been more rhetorical than strategic. Yet, like so many others written by Indian authors, it fails to grasp the depth of Nepali psychological conditioning, which goes back to the founding of modern Nepal that sees an eternal existential threat from the South and occasional concern but general nonchalance from the North as an eternal fact – irrespective of whether today’s China is more aggressive in pursuing its interests in Nepal.
Interestingly, the book discusses King Birendra’s Zone of Peace proposal and provides valuable context on how it emerged in response to the annexation of Sikkim. However, while the authors detail the geopolitical backdrop, they fail to fully connect the dots regarding its impact on the Nepali psyche. Regardless of India’s intentions in the Himalayas, the annexation of Sikkim reinforced long-standing perception in Nepal that its greatest existential threat comes from the South – not the North. One wonders if Kathmandu was taken into confidence prior to Indian actions in Gangtok.
One of the book’s most valuable contributions is its first-hand insights from Ambassador Rajan’s tenure in Nepal and the emphasis on revamping the style of diplomacy as much as substance. The anecdotes from his time in Kathmandu provide a compelling illustration of how diplomacy can either exacerbate or alleviate tensions.
The book illustrates that an Indian diplomat with a pragmatic, problem-solving attitude, like Rajan, can make meaningful contribution to removing irritants in the bilateral relationship.
There is a telling passage in the book about a potential trade agreement that would have granted Nepal duty-free access to Indian markets. Mukherjee, as commerce minister, strongly supported the idea, recognising its negligible impact on the Indian economy but enormous benefits for Nepal. However, his own bureaucrats blocked the initiative. Mukherjee tells Rajan: “Find a way of getting this done, and you will see the difference.”
Needless to say, the book does not merely echo standard Ministry of External Affairs talking points on Nepal but rather brings in perspectives from civil society and political circles. This makes the book one of a kind – a refreshing departure from the usual narratives on Nepal-India relations.
For anyone looking to understand the root causes of mistrust between the two nations, Kathmandu Chronicle is a vital read. Its rich anecdotes, diplomatic insights, and balanced analysis make it a vital contribution to the discourse on India-Nepal relations.
John Narayan Parajuli is journalist and policy professional from Nepal.
