Talk Program on Changing Narratives of India-Nepal Strategic Interests
Policy Research Institute, Narayanhiti
A talk program titled “Changing Narratives of India-Nepal Strategic Interests” was organized at the Policy Research Institute on 29 April 2025. Prof. Dr. Sangeeta Thapliyal was invited as the speaker for the program. Prof. Thapliyal has been a Professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi since 2008 and is currently the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Chair at Kathmandu University. Her areas of specialization include international relations, strategic studies, trans-Himalayan linkages, and water security.
The program was facilitated by Dr. Khaga Nath Adhikari, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Foreign Policy and Strategic Affairs of the Policy Research Institute. In his welcome remarks, the Executive Chairperson of the PRI, Prof. Dr. Lekhnath Sharma, expressed his interest in the evolving dynamics of Nepal-India relations, tracing their trajectory from ancient times to the present context.
Prof. Thapliyal highlighted that strategy in international relations is not limited to security and military aspects; it also encompasses the socio-political dimensions of the respective countries. She emphasized that scholars should take into account the existing contextual settings when developing narratives around foreign policy.
Providing a historical backdrop, she referred to the traditional metaphor of Nepal as a “yam between two boulders,” highlighting its geographical position between India and China. She discussed how narratives are changing; for example, the narrative of Nepal as a “yam” has evolved into a concept of a strategic bridge between the northern and southern economies. She also emphasized the relevance of Divya Upadesh by Prithvi Narayan Shah in understanding the strategic interests of present-day Nepal.
In light of the changing dynamics of international relations, Prof. Thapliyal emphasized that scholars need to align their research with questions such as: What strategies should Nepal adopt as a land-linked country? How do domestic interests influence foreign policy? Why is coordination between Nepal and India essential for resolving issues through negotiations and ensuring mutual benefits?
Dr. Adhikari supplemented the discussion by referencing key publications that explore the historical dimensions of Nepal-India relations. Researchers and interns from the Policy Research Institute actively participated in the session and raised questions focused on the complex aspects of Nepal-India relations, the current strategic interests of the two countries, and the research methodologies used in the field of international relations.
Prof. Dr. Lekhnath Sharma concluded the program by thanking Prof. Thapliyal for her insightful presentation and valuable perspectives.
Participants:
Prof. Dr. Lekhnath Sharma (Executive Chairperson)
Laxman Prasad Bhattarai (Office Manager)
Dr. Khaga Nath Adhikari (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Hari Sharma Neupane (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Deepak Kumar Khadka (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Mukti Ram Rijal (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Mohan Kumar Sharma (Senior Research Fellow)
Dr. Giri Raj Sharma (Research Fellow)
Ashok Pandey (Research Fellow)
Dr. Hari Prakash Chand (Research Fellow)
Dr. Subash Adhikari (Research Fellow)
Dr. Jham Kumar Bishwakarma (Associated Research Fellow)
Gopal Acharya (Associated Research Fellow)
Dr. Prabhat Raj Dahal (Associated Research Fellow)
Rija Manandhar (Analyst)
Soniya Bashyal (Analyst)
Bimal Chandra Sharma (Library Management Coordinator)
Parbat Bhattarai (Senior Assistant)
Gita Neupane (Senior Assistant)
Milan Shrestha (Senior Assistant)
Ayushka K.C. (Intern)
Ashish Bhandari (Intern)
Kumari Alika (Intern)
Juna Shrestha (Intern)
Balihang Limbu (Intern)
Bijay Koirala (Intern)
Snehi Rijal (Intern)