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Nepal, China and ‘Belt and Road Initiative’: Prospects and Challenges

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  • Samir Sharma

    (Samir Sharma is currently Assistant Professor at the Department of Political Science, St. Joseph’s College, Darjeeling, West Bengal, India. He has a PhD from the Centre for Political Studies (CPS), School of Social Sciences (SSS) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. Previously, he has worked with the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), New Delhi, as a research assistant and his research interests relate to India–China comparative studies, citizenship studies and federalism.)

  • Preksha Shree Chhetri

    (Preksha Shree Chhetri has a PhD from the Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies (SIS) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi and is currently a visiting research associate at the Institute of Chinese Studies (ICS), New Delhi. Her research interests relate to EU-China studies.)

Abstract

At a time when the push towards a ‘decoupling’ from China has gained significant traction, debates with regard to the favourability of the conditions of China–Nepal engagement within the BRI framework acquire significance. Despite being signed in 2017, it remains to be seen whether the ‘terms’ of the BRI framework has positive consequences for Nepal or not. Against this backdrop, and through a discussion of the larger contours of (under)development in Nepal, Nepal–China relations and perceptions of India, we argue that BRI in Nepal indicates an attempt to reframe Nepal’s geo-strategic position. This assertion undergirds the pivotal role of polyamorous cooperation envisioned by Nepal—both in the context of Sino-India relations and in staking its agency towards an ‘independent’ foreign policy. However, this attempt, we argue, will be constrained by the concrete, unresolved issues of BRI investments in Nepal as well as by the larger power (im)balances.

Suggested Citation

  • Samir Sharma & Preksha Shree Chhetri, 2022. "Nepal, China and ‘Belt and Road Initiative’: Prospects and Challenges," India Quarterly: A Journal of International Affairs, , vol. 78(3), pages 458-475, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:indqtr:v:78:y:2022:i:3:p:458-475
    DOI: 10.1177/09749284221108262
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