Ravi Lamichhane Proposes 'Development Diplomacy' for Nepal-India Relations

Kathmandu. National Independent Party (NIP) Chairman and former Deputy Prime Minister Rabi Lamichhane has proposed that relations between Nepal and India should be raised above traditional geopolitical tug-of-war and focused on 'development diplomacy'.

On Tuesday, in an article published in the Indian newspaper Hindustan Times, Lamichhane made public his views on Nepal's changing political landscape and new possibilities for cooperation with India.

Lamichhane termed the recent political change in Nepal as a 'ballot box revolution', clarifying that the new leadership does not carry any historical baggage from the past. He mentioned that the rise of NIP has made good governance and direct accountability to the people the main agenda in Nepal, and emphasized that relations with India should also be made the main basis for economic transformation.

In the article, Lamichhane proposed that merely connecting borders is not enough, and the economies of the two countries should be integrated. He mentioned the construction of the Raxaul-Kathmandu railway, the concept of a Kathmandu-Bengaluru digital corridor, and direct flights from Pokhara and Lumbini to various cities in India.

Furthermore, he is of the opinion that Nepal's hydropower can be made the engine for India's industrial development, and cooperation can be sought for the establishment of chemical fertilizer factories in the border areas.

Discussing the border disputes and other pending issues between the two countries, Lamichhane argued that ultra-nationalist slogans will not provide solutions. He stated that such problems should be resolved through practical dialogue based on historical facts and evidence.

He stated that a stable and prosperous Nepal is also a strategic necessity for India's security.

Recalling the warmth shown by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Nepal in 2014 and his announcement to make borders bridges, Lamichhane said that it is time to abandon old mistrust and stand on a new foundation of trust. He also conveyed a message that Nepal's youth leadership is ready for transparent and results-oriented partnership with India. transparent and results-oriented partnership.

Currently, Lamichhane is on a visit to India at the invitation of the BJP.