India Nepal Top Stories

Reshaping Nepal-India Ties: Dr. Manmohan Singh’s Role in Nepal’s Transition :Vidhu Prakash Kayastha

 Dr.Vidhu Prakash Kayastha. Dr. Manmohan Singh, who served as India’s Prime Minister from May 22, 2004, to May 26, 2014, oversaw a crucial and transformative period in Nepal’s history. His tenure coincided with the end of Nepal’s monarchy, the rise of a republican government, and the resolution of the Maoist insurgency, all of which reshaped the political landscape of the neighboring country. Though Singh did not visit Nepal during his time in office, his diplomatic engagement was instrumental in supporting Nepal’s democratic transition and fostering stronger bilateral ties between the two nations.

The Transition from Monarchy to Republic
One of the most significant events in Nepal during Singh’s tenure was the transition from a constitutional monarchy to a federal democratic republic. This transformation followed years of political unrest, marked by the Maoist insurgency and mass protests, which culminated in the 2006 People’s Movement (Jana Andolan II). As Nepal’s political landscape shifted dramatically, India, under Singh’s leadership, played a crucial role in supporting the process.
Singh engaged with both Nepal’s monarchy and its political leadership during this period of change. In December 2005, as the political situation in Nepal worsened, Singh sent Dr. Karan Singh, a special envoy, to Kathmandu to facilitate discussions with King Gyanendra. The goal was to prepare the king for a peaceful transition of power and to support the establishment of democratic governance in Nepal. Singh’s government worked closely with Nepal’s seven-party alliance and the Maoists, providing diplomatic backing for their efforts to establish peace.
This was a time when Nepal’s political future was uncertain, and Singh’s involvement underscored India’s desire for a stable and democratic Nepal, with an emphasis on encouraging dialogue and cooperation among the country’s various factions.
Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Despite the dramatic changes occurring in Nepal, Dr. Singh maintained a strong commitment to India-Nepal relations. He actively engaged with key Nepali political leaders, including Girija Prasad Koirala, Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda), Madhav Kumar Nepal, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, and Sher Bahadur Deuba. Singh’s leadership in India helped ensure that Nepal received consistent diplomatic support during its tumultuous transition.
One of the most notable engagements was in 2006 when Nepal’s Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala visited India. During this visit, Koirala requested India to waive Nepal’s military loan of Rs. 1.72 billion. Singh agreed to this request, further strengthening the diplomatic relationship between the two countries.
Singh also took proactive steps to improve bilateral ties early in his tenure. In the first few weeks of taking office in May 2004, he dispatched India’s newly appointed Foreign Minister, K. Natwar Singh, to Nepal. This marked a strong start to India’s engagement with its neighbor, reinforcing the importance of stable bilateral relations. Singh also invited Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India, where the two leaders discussed key issues, including Nepal’s ongoing Maoist insurgency.
Dealing with King Gyanendra’s Direct Rule
The political crisis in Nepal took a dramatic turn in January 2005 when King Gyanendra dismissed the government and took direct control of the country. This move, which saw the king suspending civil liberties and sidelining political leaders, was met with strong disapproval from India. Dr. Singh’s government was vocal in urging the restoration of democracy in Nepal.
Despite facing opposition, Dr. Manmohan Singh persisted in diplomatic efforts with King Gyanendra. In April 2005, at the king’s request, Singh met King Gyanendra in Jakarta, Indonesia. The meeting, aimed at fostering dialogue, ultimately failed to produce meaningful outcomes. King’s refusal to reinstate the prime minister and cabinet deepened tensions between the two nations.
Singh’s engagement with the Nepalese monarchy continued in November 2005 during the SAARC summit in Dhaka, where he once again met King Gyanendra. However, King Gyanendra’s resistance to political dialogue rendered these diplomatic efforts largely ineffective. Despite these challenges, Singh remained steadfast in his support for Nepal’s democratic aspirations.
Supporting Nepal’s People’s Movement and Transition to a Republic
The 2006 People’s Movement in Nepal proved to be a turning point in the country’s history, eventually leading to the end of the monarchy. As protests grew, India played a key role in supporting the people’s movement. Dr. Singh sent Dr. Karan Singh to Kathmandu with a letter urging King Gyanendra to transfer power to the seven-party alliance. Eventually, under pressure, Gyanendra agreed to relinquish control, marking the beginning of Nepal’s transition to a republic.
Following the end of the monarchy, Singh continued to support Nepal’s new government. He maintained strong diplomatic ties with the newly established political leadership, including Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and other key figures. India’s commitment to Nepal’s democratic transition was evident, with Singh advocating for continued dialogue between the seven-party alliance and the Maoists to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Economic Cooperation and Bilateral Projects
Dr. Singh also focused on regional economic integration. In 2012, he held discussions with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina regarding the export of Nepal’s hydroelectricity to Bangladesh via India. This was seen as an opportunity to integrate Nepal’s energy resources into the regional market, promoting economic cooperation among India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
Legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh in Nepal-India Relations
Dr. Singh’s diplomatic efforts during his tenure left a lasting impact on Nepal-India relations. His role in supporting Nepal’s transition from monarchy to republic was critical, and his leadership helped ensure that India remained a steadfast partner during a challenging period in Nepal’s history. Singh’s diplomatic interactions with Nepal’s leaders, his support for the people’s movement, and his emphasis on economic cooperation created a foundation for stronger bilateral ties that continue to shape the relationship today.

Dr. Vidhu Prakash Kayastha

Leave a Reply