Dr. Shobhakhar Kandel
Professor, Central Department of Education, TU
and
Member of Nepal Council of World Affairs,( NCWA)
Abstract:
This article intends to explore the international relations of Nepal with regard to historical perspectives and to find out the important strategic measures to safeguard the glorious dignity of the country. Within the geostrategy, geo-political and geo-economic strategies play a pivotal role to adopt politically and militarily sound international relations. Unity, national consensus, and sustainable economic development are the key components to safeguard the national sovereignty and integrity of Nepal.
Keywords: International relations, geostrategy, geopolitics, foreign policy, economic development
Introduction:
The foreign policy stands for the activities and relationships between and among the countries particularly guided with the domestic affairs or its types of geographical site. According to Napoleon Bonaparte, “if you know a country’s geography, you can understand and predict its foreign policy” (Baniya, 2021). Likewise, geopolitics is a key component of foreign policy. Within geopolitics, geostrategy is a crucial topic in the discussion of foreign policy affected by the nation’s geography. Geo-strategic significance had always played a crucial role in shaping the foreign policy, security, and development of Nepal (Baniya, 2021).
In recent times, two terms regional and global understanding are also in a voyage to draw the boundary with ally behavior or opponent actions with other nations to secure nation’s frontier and to establish peace and prosperity or socio-cultural, financial well being of the nations. Wide-ranging foreign policy also contributes to remaining political statuesque within the country. In other term, strategies are formulated to boost the transnational objectives of the nation. Adaptation of sound foreign policy and its effective implementation guarantees a nation’s sovereignty is preserved, international dignity enhanced and the national interest promoted (Hamal, 2014).
Methodology:
This article is based on secondary data collected from published books, online documents, and subsequently analyzed through the descriptive method. The data were obtained from secondary sources both in hard copies and online portals, and further analyzed in a descriptive method. The major findings of this study are associated with geopolitics and geo-economics that governs fundamental strategies suitable for the geography of Nepal.
A Short History of Nepal’s Foreign Relations:
Nepal is a landlocked country between two giant neighbors India and China. Thus, she has been implementing a foreign policy in line with her geostrategic location since inception keeping these realities in mind. From a historical viewpoint, Nepal had initiated foreign policy during the Kirat period through the trade of wool and copper commodities that were exported to India, Tibet, and Sri Lanka (Upadhyaya, 2007). Special Nepali handicrafts of that period were; namely the Bhingisi and the Apasaraka, high-quality rainproof blankets (Adhikari, 2020). There was cordial relation between these countries and there were no threats. During the Lichchhavi period, to enhance foreign relations, Nepal approached Tibet. There was matrimonial relation with both Tibet and India. The marriage of Nepali princesses to the Tibetan and Indian princesses tied up the good relations between them (Upadhyaya, 2007, p. 94). Nepal further entered into the regional scenario with the fame of the national art and sculpture. King Anshu Verma was well recognized by both the kings of Tibet and India. Indian and Tibetan diplomatic missions, individual visitors, pilgrims, and groups of merchants passed through Nepal as it was a transit point for both countries.
In the medieval period of Nepal, China also established a relationship with Nepal during the Malla dynasty rule. During the tenure of Chinese King Kublai Khan, Nepali artists and sculptors were invited from Nepal. They designed and constructed the famous White Pagoda, stupas, and other several arts and sculptures in the capital city Peking. The work made by Nepali art veterans attracted the monarch and people of China. Nepali artists along with sculptor Araniko were honored by the medal of Guanglun Dainfu, Da Situ, a high-level award of that time (Upadhyaya, 2007). This fact validates that Nepal became well known in the world scenario. Following good faith relations since then, a regular exchange of Nepali and Chinese-Tibetan artists, as well as students, was initiated.
During the tenure of King Ratna Malla, there was a confrontation with Tibet which led to the battle that was ultimately in the favor of Nepal getting a huge quantity of gold and silver. In medieval Nepal (Malla period), Nepal used to handle mint coins for Tibet (Upadhyaya, 2007). Later there was a diplomatic understanding between Nepal and Tibet whereby Nepali merchants got permission to start trading there in Tibet. In the early phase of the Malla reign, the relationship between Nepal and India was warm and welcoming. The holy priests and students were used to visiting both countries to gain knowledge and skills. India’s Universities Nalanda and Bikram Sheela were centers for education. But a confrontation between India and Nepal occurred while the King Harihar Singh of Simraungadh, a state in the south of Nepal, attacked the expedition of King of Bengal which led to the loss of his state Simraungadh and was compelled to escape to Nepal. Immediately, Sultan Shamsuddin of Bengal attacked Nepal and ransacked property (Upadhyaya, 2007).
After the unification of Nepal by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, a king of tiny Gorkha state, he applied a non-aligned policy towards the neighbors, because China and India had been expanding their territory and there was a threat to newly united country Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah, at the end of his reign, told his officials about the future of the country as well as foreign relation of Nepal, “this kingdom is a yam between two stones, maintain relationships with the emperor of China and also with the emperor of the south but he is very cunning” (Vaidya, 2018). This was the symbol of his non-aligned policy but he was conscious of the British empire spreading in the south. Due to the geostrategic location of Nepal, her foreign policy of non-alignment was originated in 1768 along with the creation of an independent nation after the unification of different tiny principalities (Hamal, 2014).
Prithvi Narayan Shah wanted to keep Nepal safe from the two giant powers. Nevertheless, he had to clash against Muslim Nawab’s expedition led by Gurgin Khan on behalf of Mir Kasim of Murshidabad and the British expedition led by Captain Kinlock and defeated them and captured a huge number of arms and ammunitions like guns, gun powder, and cannons. Even though he was not willing to attack them and wanted to keep good relations but he was compelled to be offensive. The origin of nationalism can be traced to the territorial and political unification of the country with the establishment of Jaisi Kotha as an office of foreign affairs by Prithvi Narayan Shah. He had adopted it as the foundation of national security policy. This policy was based on the geopolitical and geo-strategic sensitivity of the nation to protect and preserve the territorial integrity of Nepal, which has been the guiding principle of national security policy ever since (Baral, n.d).
Prithvi Narayan Shah’s successor and their officials, especially his son Bahadur Shah and General Bhimsen Thapa continued the expansion campaign and reached the Tista River to the east and Sutlej River to the west. Then confrontation was started with British India. During this time, due to economic causes, especially currency supplies, Nepal’s attention was diverted towards Tibet. Since it closed the trade routes with Nepal, a war occurred between the two states in 1788. After the war, there was a bilateral treaty- the Kerung Treaty to settle down the dispute trading routes of Kuti and Kerung (Hamal, 2014).
Due to the non-implementation of the provisions of the Kerung Treaty, Nepal had to face another battle with Tibet. The involvement of China supporting Tibet in the war was unfortunate for Nepal, and it was compelled to sign the Treaty of Betravati in 1792. Later Nepal lost her traditional commercial space in Tibet and China occupied the same. Ultimately, China annexed Tibet within her sovereignty (Hamal, 2014).
Concerning the relationship with then India, British India was trying to approach Nepal for trade relations especially in commercial natural resources and transit points to Tibet China. Ignoring Prithvi Narayan Shah’s principle of being careful with the south, the Nepal government signed the commercial treaty with British- India. Nevertheless, it was not implemented; consequently, the British East India Company was able to conclude another commercial treaty in 1801. This treaty opened the avenue to the British in Nepal with the provision of stationing its envoy in Kathmandu. But this treaty was not imputable after the British invalidated it because the provisions of the treaty were neglected and the role of the envoy was limited by the government of Nepal.
Later, General Bhimsen Thapa came into power and consolidated the total administration of Nepal. Confrontation with British India started due to his plan of forming an alliance against British domination and forged the anti-British front in Asia. He wanted the form an alliance with France but it was also defeated by the British. Ultimately, a war between Nepal and Britain took place between 1814-16. Nepal was compelled to sign the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816. Due to the disunity in the royal court, Nepal could not take revenge on the British and lost the entire territory of the west of Mahakali River and east of Mechi River as well as the south part of current Terai.
Thus, it is also notable that, to secure any nation from foreigners, the nation’s national unity is inevitable. There was a misunderstanding between the king and his officials on whether to the continue war or postpone it immediately and sign the treaty. The treaty was against the brave heroes of the nation. The royal court was the place of intrigue which led to the encroachment of territory by foreign invaders. Nepal’s aim was nation-building and standing in the world with a powerful territory and economy. It totally applied geo-strategic policy and made huge military forts the higher places and strategic points to thwart the possible foreign invasion. These forts and fortresses are still important and must be renovated with modern technology.
During the Rana regime, power was vested in the prime minister. Understanding the expansion of British East India Company and shrewdness regarding diplomacy in the south, they did not take the policy of confrontation and pleased the rulers of the Company government to save the sovereignty and retain power (Hamal, 2014). Hence, they supported the British government by continuing the recruitment of Nepali youths in the British Army. Moreover, while there was a mutiny against British rule in India in 1857, Nepali Prime Minister Jung Bahadur Rana took an opportunity to successfully suppress the mutiny around the Lucknow area. To appreciate Jung Bahadur Ranas’ efforts, British India returned back the territory of Banke, Bardia, Kailai and Kanchanpur, southwest of Nepal, which was lost via the Sugauli Treaty. Thus, this territory is known as Naya Muluk.
In the meantime, there was another dispute over the boundary area of Khasa in Tibet and Jung Bahadur tried to settle the boundary dispute. It went in vain so he decided to attack Tibet and war took place in 1855. The battle was in the favor of Nepal and the Treaty of Thapathali was concluded in 1856. He also visited Europe to extend Nepal’s foreign relations with Britain. Jung Bahadur consolidated power by unnatural means, but the whole nation had a national consensus over the relations towards the British. The economy of Nepal also was sound to arrange arms and armaments and logistics supply for the Nepali Army.
Later, Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher Rana also visited Britain. He continued to maintain cordial relations with the British, supported the Younghusband mission against Tibet, reopened the recruitment in British Army, and provided military support in World War I. It is well known that Nepal has remained independent from the beginning but there was no official announcement of her independence. During the tenure of Chandra Shamsher, there was a treaty of friendship on December 21, 1923, with Britain wherein Nepal was recognized as an independent country for the first time. According to this treaty, Nepal was free from the trade of armament from a third country. This treaty was also recorded in the League of Nations in 1925 (Yadav, 1999).
Likewise, during the tenure of Prime Minister Juddha Shumsher, World War II was in full swing, Nepal continued the traditional foreign policy and extended the economic and military support with war logistics as in World War I. Likewise, Nepal granted permission on military recruitment of Nepalese youths in the British army and Burma rifles, Assam Rifles, and Kashmiri infantry in British India. Nepalese soldiers showed great valor, unwavering loyalty, and unmatched courage during the war that made the whole world take notice of Gurkhas and their fighting techniques. (Yadav, 1999).
Until that time Nepal’s external relation was limited in China-Tibet and British India. Breaking this tradition, Nepal participated in the first conference on Asian-African relations held in 1947 in India to approach the external world. As a result, diplomatic relations with the United States of America and India were established in 1947 during the tenure of Prime Minister Padma Shumsher Rana. During the tenure of Prime Minister Mohan Shumsher Rana, cordial relations with India continued. Diplomatic relations with France were concluded in 1949 (Hamal, 2014).
Throughout the nineteenth century, besides agricultural products, Nepal produced a surplus of copper, iron, lead, as well as gold, cinnabar, and sulfur enough for export. Sulfur and saltpeter were in demand by gunpowder factories that were state established in various parts of the country. Likewise, timber, woodwork, rice and paddy, grains, cotton, wax, iron, rhinoceros’ horn and hides, and falcons were prominently traded products both in China-Tibet and India. During that time, the economic conditions remained consistent (Adhikari, 2020). World Wars I and II brought changes in Nepali trade and industry. Nepal became dependent on India gradually, especially, for jute sacks and textile. Meantime, the government faced difficulty controlling the exchange of commodities from the southern borders. Thus, Juddha Shamsher had to ban imports from India, but it was impossible to control them (Adhikari, 2020).
The participation of Nepali youths in two world wars brought a twofold impact on Nepali politics and the economy. Youths, who fought on behalf of the British and became famous in the external world, witnessed political, economic, educational development, and democratic thought spread in western nations. On one hand, being conscious of the country, some of them led the political and social organizations against the suppressive policy of Ranas. On the other hand, they brought the western culture of manner as well as increased economic status. Imports surged and export of Nepalese goods slow downed. Gradually, dependency, especially on India, on external commodities increased. After the treaty of 1950 with India, Nepal could not compete with the Indian market. Modern medicines were increasingly available in the towns and administrative centers of the country (Adhikari, 2020).
After the dawn of democracy in 1951, Nepal, leaving alignment policy regenerated the non-alignment policy. In August 1951 Nepal and the United States established diplomatic relations. Nepal was successful in getting membership of the United Nations in December 1955. Diplomatic relations with Japan and the Soviet Union were established in July 1956. Nepal played important role in the non-alignment movement of the third world. During his coronation in February 1975, King Birendra announced the proposal for Nepal to be a Zone of Peace. More than 116 nations supported the proposal till 1989. Since 1985, Nepal has been a member state of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), an economic and political organization of eight nations in south Asia (Shiwakoti and Dahal, 2003).
When Nepal purchased some armaments from China, there was a situation of unrest between Nepal and India over the provisions of the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950. India imposed an economic blockade after the terms and conditions of the trade and transport treaty expired on March 23, 1989, which created a scarcity of essential commodities in Nepal. (Shiwakoti and Dahal, 2003).
Nepal has got landlocked geography had unique biodiversity. Thus, the fundamental objectives of the foreign policy of Nepal are to enhance the dignity of the nation by preserving sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, and encouraging the economic well being and prosperity of Nepal (MOFA, 2022). Likewise, the basic principles of Nepal’s foreign policy are-mutual respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, respect for mutual equality, non-aggression and the peaceful settlement of disputes, cooperation for mutual benefit, abiding faith in the Charter of the United Nations, and values of world peace(MOFA, 2022).
Discussion:
Globally accepted determinants of foreign policies are- population, geography, natural resources, industrial capacity, military power, language, religion, races, and cultural elements, thought, policymaking, world recognition, world union, and the response of concerning country (Shiwakoti and Dahal, 2003). Modern diplomacy is a combination of political, economic, cultural diplomacy, and priority is given to economic diplomacy (Kharel, 2020). Economically big and powerful nations always try to keep small nations at their mercy which increases dependency. Moreover, landlocked small nations like Nepal are more economically dependent on big nations (Shiwakoti and Dahal, 2003). A notable aspect of Nepal’s foreign policy is national unity. There should be a common understanding among all political parties, if it is not possible, for major political parties to forge a consensus before formulating a long-term foreign policy of the country (Kharel, 2020).
Going back to the history of the strategy adopted by Nepal to secure any nation from foreigners, the nation’s national unity is inevitable. During the ancient and medieval periods, our geo-strategy was suited to secure national integrity by making good relations with our neighbors politically and economically. The Malla kingdom was divided due to unrest in the royal court. Prithvi Narayan Shah and his successors united Nepal. It was possible with the participation of all walks of castes including but not limited to Pandey, Arjyal, Pantha, Rana, Khanal, and Bohora (Baral, n.d.). Later, there was a misunderstanding in the royal court which led to the massacre of King Rana Bahadur and his brother Sher Bahadur Shah. Immediately Bhimsen Thapa consolidated the power and made socio-economic and military reforms and was able to expand the territory to Tista River in the east and to the Alaknanda River in the west. He tried to forge foreign support to make Asian Union against British Empire. Meantime, there was confusion between the royal court and his officials regarding the continuity of war with British India or postpone it immediately and sign the treaty.
Ultimately the treaty of Sugauli in 1816 was signed. The treaty was against the brave heroes of the nation heroes of the nation due to the royal court being the place of intrigue which led to the encroachment of territory by foreign invaders. Likewise, during the Rana period, Nepal got great achievements regarding foreign relations. Jung Bahadur was successful in returning back the territory around Khasa captured by Tibet and compelled to sign the Thapathali treaty and Naya Muluk lost in the Sugauli treaty with British India. Nevertheless, prime minister Jung Bahadur Rana consolidated power by means of unnatural way, the whole nation had national consensus over the foreign relation toward British so far. After the dawn of democracy in Nepal, Nepal could approach the foreigners adopting a non-aligned strategy. Nepal was successful to become a member of UNO. But unfortunately, king Mahendra not only dissolved the elected government and parliament, dismissed the multiparty democracy as well, and established the party-less Panchayati system which led to unrest in Nepal. All the political parties were banned and leaders were arrested and kept in jail. King Mahendra, to take support over his step of dismissing the democracy permitted the Indian army to stay in the Lipulek area. Later, India permanently settled her army capturing the territory which is the major matter of dispute with India till now.
Conclusion:
Analyzing the above history of foreign relations and discussion over the success and failure of Nepali strategies adopted by the nation, geopolitics envisaged playing a key component of foreign policy. Within geopolitics, geostrategy is crucial. Within the geostrategy, geo-political and geo-economic strategies play a pivotal role to adopt politically and militarily sound international relations. From the very beginning united and economically sound Nepal had always achieved national goals. Being a geographically landlocked country between the two giant and economically emerging nations India and China, Nepal should take this as an opportunity for development and has to be satisfied in the fixed boundary and disputes over the frontiers are to be solved by bilateral negotiations. Moreover, Nepal should be politically stable and economically sound. For this, Nepal should make short and long-term strategies with national consensus, and diplomatic organs must be automatically workable and not affected by the dynamic political situation. Likewise, Nepal has to establish massive industrial development based on agricultural resources, hydropower, and tourism to balance the ratio of export and import of essential goods. For the development of the tourism industry, building infrastructure, preserving natural resources, and renovating the headquarters of earlier principalities and their Kot, Killa, Gadhi, Gauda, Chautari, Deurali, and royal palaces as tourism destinations would be the essential income-generating resources as well as strategical point of view. Moreover, education especially vocational education based on small industries is necessary to prevent the brain-drain, of contentious issues, of youths that Human Resources are vital to the development of the nation. Any country could not be dominated which has at least a politically national consensus in contentious issue and is economically self-dependent to safeguard national dignity.
Text courtesy: The Nepal Council of World Affairs Annual Journal ( 2022).
Journal courtesy : NCWA Vice Chairman Shri Buddhi Narayan Shrestha.
Thanks the distinguished author and the NCWA team: Ed. Upadhyaya.
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