Let’s interpret Nepal-India relations in a new way: Dr. Sunil Sharma

KATHMANDU: Dr. Sunil Sharma, a Nepali Congress MP, has stated that the relationship between Nepal and India should be redefined.

During today’s House of Representatives meeting, Dr. Sharma stated that the relationship between Nepal and India has deteriorated as a result of traditional diplomacy.

Dr. Sharma pointed that religious and cultural diplomacy should be used to interpret Nepal-India relations in new ways. “In the current situation, where India takes our stone (Shaligram) from the Kali Gandaki and worships it in Janakpur before taking it to Ayodhya, Hindus all over the world make idols of Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman and give them prestige by saying they are God, we must interpret our relationship with India in a new way through religious diplomacy and cultural diplomacy,” said Dr. Sharma of Nepal. He also stressed that, as India is the primary market for water resources, the partnership should be structured in a way that benefits both Nepal and India.

Stating that India and Bangladesh are the major markets for Nepal’s water resources and that a tripartite agreement involving Indians and Bangladeshis for the development of public resources is possible, which should be discussed in detail by preparing a political mechanism before the Prime Minister’s visit to India.

Dr. Sharma asserted that if Nepal operates only 23 projects, it will be able to create 30,000 megawatts of energy by 2030, despite the fact that its hydro trade with India is 452 megawatts, which will be in the rainy season. If we could sell it, it would end the situation where many Nepalis had to self immolation like Prem Prasad Acharya. The country’s economic situation would improve. Our kids would be able to attend an excellent school.

Dr. Sharma suggests that Nepali industrialists, businessmen, and Indian industrialists who are willing to invest in hydro should meet with them and develop a political mechanism to build large electricity dams and sell electricity to India and Bangladesh in order to envision a prosperous Nepal.

In addition, he recommended the Prime Minister, who is planning a visit to India in the near future, to proceed with caution after talking with all political parties.

Dr. Sharma insists on forming a fast-track committee to represent all the parties represented in parliament rather than relying solely on the bureaucracy, on establishing a powerful commission or mechanism, on reaching an agreement with Indian entrepreneurs, the government of India, and on creating an environment in which both parties are friendly, and on selling 30 to 35 thousand units of electricity in the Indian market.

MP Sharma stated that the demand for power during peak hours in India is extremely high, and that as Nepal has the potential and capability to deliver electricity during peak hours, it should move forward by signing an agreement with the market owner.