Nepal-India Relations: A Conversation with Former Foreign Minister NP Saud on India's 80th Independence Day
Summary
Former Foreign Minister NP Saud says Nepal and India share a deep public, cultural and emotional bond that goes beyond government-to-government ties. He says Nepali leaders also helped in India’s freedom struggle and that India’s moral support later aided Nepal’s anti-Rana and democratic movements.
Key Points
- India is celebrating its 80th Independence Day, and the article centers on Nepal-India relations in that historical context.
- NP Saud says Nepali leaders including BP Koirala, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Matrika Prasad Koirala supported India’s freedom struggle and were imprisoned for it.
- He argues that Nepal and India have a strong public, cultural and emotional relationship that should not be judged only by short-term political disagreements.
- Saud says India should deepen investment in Nepal and help reduce Nepal’s bilateral trade deficit.
