Deep Kumar Upadhyay's stint as Nepal’s ambassador to India was fraught with trouble and intrigue. The earthquake of 2015 and the supply blockade following the differences between the two countries over Nepal's new constitution happened during his tenure. He speaks to THE WEEK on the fresh dip in the relationship because of the Kalapani border dispute.
You served as ambassador to India during a difficult time in the bilateral relationship recently. Could you share what that experience was like?
I served twice as ambassador to New Delhi, in an interval of six months. My overall stint was of two years, and it was a difficult time, because the big earthquake and supply blockade... both happened during those tenures. I had regular access to the ministry of external affairs and even to the Prime Minister's Office. But it was Sushmaji (Sushma Swaraj, then external affairs minister) who tried to help and advised me to get solutions to the problems. She had a very positive attitude towards Nepal and the Nepali people.
India has been a good neighbour to Nepal, helping during the earthquake, and even during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Where, then, is the bilateral going wrong?
India always should think and act for better aspirations of the Nepali people, and not necessarily the government of Nepal. This is in accordance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, too.
Will India receiving the report of the Empowered Persons Group (EPG) on India-Nepal relations, which was readied in 2018, help soothe tempers a little at this juncture?
Definitely; the EPG report is a consensus recommendation. It is not mandatory for either side to implement it. But simply receiving the report will be a good gesture at this time.
Don't you feel Nepal is also getting a little too aggressive with its position against India? Your Prime Minister, K.P.S. Oli, isn't too partial towards India, is he?
Time is the instrumental factor. India is missing the opportunity to make prompt diplomatic responses and bilateral engagement on agreed-upon disputes over boundaries of Kalapani and Susta. There are other major issues, too, like the trade deficit, water management and power trade. Nothing is coming ahead on these issues, either. Also, PM Oli is under tremendous pressure within his party, too.
Do you believe China has a hand in pushing Nepal against India?
Nepal is a sovereign country, it was never colonised. Nepal is aware of our proud relations with India. To compare this relationship with others is just to ignore the truth and mistrust ourselves. A prosperous and stable Nepal is a safe and guaranteed land for both our neighbours.
