Asian Studies

The 2015 Constitution in Nepal and Changing Indo-Nepal and Sino-Nepal Relations

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Sharmila Kabir Sheema

Abstract

Nepal promulgated her new Constitution on the 20th September, 2015. The
new Constitution could not please the Madheshi people in Terai region, which is
situated in the southern part of Nepal adjacent to the Indian border. Madheshi people
blockaded the India-Nepal border in Terai region, which is the only commercial route
of Nepal with India. Nepal had claimed that India supported the Madheshi ethnic
groups, who are known as of Indian origin and make up 30% of Nepal’s population.
During the blockade, India stopped exporting petroleum, fuel, oil, medicine, and other
essential goods to Nepal. That blockade caused immense miseries for Nepalese people.
Anti-Indian sentiment rose high among Nepalese people. The anti-Indian sentiment had
resulted in people’s preference for China as an alternative to India. During the blockade
China exported petroleum, fuel to Nepal. This paper discusses the causes of blockade
and how the blockade affected India-Nepal relations and how Nepal moved
strategically closer to China. It also discusses how Nepal is trying to maintain balance
in its relationship with both India and China.

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