Tue Nov 12 15:30:07 UTC 2024: ## Nepal PM Oli’s China Visit Highlights Strained India-Nepal Ties

**KATHMANDU, Nepal -** Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli will embark on a visit to China in early December, marking the first time a Nepali leader has chosen a country other than India for their initial bilateral trip after assuming office.

This move, confirmed by the ruling Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), comes amidst growing tensions in India-Nepal relations.

While Mr. Oli met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September at a UN conference, India has yet to extend a formal invitation for a bilateral visit. Analysts attribute this to a range of issues, including India’s opposition to Chinese investment in joint projects and Nepal’s ongoing request for additional overflight routes from India for newly built, but underperforming, airports.

Concerns over the potential impact of Chinese influence are heightened by the fact that Mr. Oli is the second leader after Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to prioritize China over India for his first overseas visit.

During his visit, Mr. Oli aims to discuss the implementation of agreements reached during previous bilateral visits, including China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which Nepal joined in 2019. Notably, he is expected to address the $220 million loan from China for the construction of the Pokhara International Airport, seeking a waiver and conversion into a grant.

While the airport, along with another built with ADB funding, has been completed, they are struggling to attract international flights. This situation, coupled with India’s alleged “go-slow” on granting BIS certification to Nepali products containing Chinese components, raises concerns about economic coercion from India.

Nepal’s request for overflight permissions for its new airports has been met with security concerns from India, which cites sensitive border regions. These ongoing issues highlight the delicate balancing act Nepal faces between its historic ties with India and its growing economic and strategic relationship with China.

Read More