India in Numbers
Size: 3,287,590 km
( 7th Largest in World)
Population (
2011 census) 1.21 Billion (2nd
Biggest in World)
GDP: $ 2 Trillion
(10th Biggest in World)
Borders by
land: 6 countries
(Nepal, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Burma and
Bhutan)
Territorial
Issues: 5 countries
(Nepal, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Srilanka)
Territorial issues between China and India comes from the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1950s and
with Pakistan from the Jammu and Kashmir. Since Bangladesh was East Pakistan it
has some issues from the very birth of India and Pakistan.
But it is interesting to note about
the territorial issues between India and Nepal. It is to be noted that India is
about 22 times larger than Nepal. Given the friendly past it seems unnatural
that both Hindu majority nations have border issues. However, it is the fact that there are border issues including Kalapani
(source of Mahakali river in the Western boundary of Nepal), Susta in Nawalparasi
district. Kalapani is in Indian occupation in 1960s (after the Sino-India war
in 1962 where India was defeated with humility from China). Nepal has border accord with China in the 1960s but with India it
was set up to complete in 1980s but is yet to complete . The main reason is
India wants to sign the strip maps excluding the Kalapani and Susta. Nepal of
course denies this. It is to be noted that after British India and Nepal had broadly defined the area during the Junga Bahardur Rana premiership. There were appropriate pillars (Junge pillars) along the border maintaining the good border environment. The friendship
treaty and recognition of sovereign state in 1923 made further bonding between two nations. But Indian
state mechanism with colonial mentality
and narrow heart started problem once India got independence in 1947. Many
reports have emerged that Indian SSB force along the Indo-Nepal border has harassed the Nepali people crossing India and asking for bribe. Those who are challenging are
tortured and severely beaten. The No Man's Land (Dash or 10 gaja) is severely
encroached by Indian side and is supported by inactions from SSB (border force of India). This has increased
the bad image of India among the Nepali citizens.
After the economic liberalization in 1990s India has progressed a lot and even aspired to be a permanent member in security council of the United Nations citing its area and population. But there are serious objections from its own neighboring nations because of its dismal record as a BIG BROTHER. Many experts opine that- If
India seriously wants to have goodwill in aspiring to be a global player it must stop
hegemony to small neighboring states and resolve the international border issues as soon as possible. It should start from Nepal as it is
the most friendly of all of its neighbors as evident from the fact that she is
providing her great manpower (more than 50,000) in its security forces
maintaining law and order securing the frontiers. Big country will be great by
its virtues not by size and population. Let it be followed in action.
Narendra
Modi, current prime minister of India
who has shown acumen in diplomacy by inviting high dignitaries in his oath
ceremony, while visiting Nepal this year for SAARC summit must ensure that any
in-differences between India and Nepal must be resolved quickly and peacefully. More sooner the better.
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