Nepal FM Pradeep Kumar Gyawali’s conciliatory overture to India despite last year’s border and maps dispute is a sign that Kathmandu has come around and won’t let one issue derail the overall relationship. India should reciprocate to reboot bilateral ties and not lose another friendly neighbour to Beijing’s strategic manoeuvres.
Covid vaccine rollout a welcome turning point. Now govt must launch awareness campaign
India’s 16 January Covid vaccine rollout is a much welcome turning point in pandemic management. The government has to ensure there are no bottlenecks in vaccine availability and logistics. An extensive awareness campaign and transparent dissemination of information by state and central governments is necessary to address hesitancy or doubts.
The commonalities between India and Nepal are so extensive and strong, it is possible for China to become a major investor and trade partner with Nepal without India’s core interests being harmed.
The key task is to step up from 30 million people – healthcare and frontline workers – to the next lot of 270 million, for whom six months is planned. The key to opening up the economy.