Indian Expansionism: Harmful for Peace in South Asia
The encroachment of Nepalese land in Susta VDC, Nawalparasi clearly demonstrates how India is trying to take advantage
of current political mess in Nepal by encroaching Nepalese territory. While Indian embassy's staffers in Kathmandu keep
themselves busy trying to paint India's friendly attitude by providing funds to build bridges and inaugurating school
buildings in terai, their government in New Delhi makes Nepalese pay for the financial aid provided to Nepal by ripping
off their national identity. However, what could be the better time than this to encroach a smaller state's territory?
Political parties are wrestling with King to grab the power and king is flexing his muscle to maintain status quo. New
Delhi does understand that neither political parties that are busy protesting in the street nor King residing in the
Narayanhiti trying to garner India's support can afford to displease India by voicing their concern over Susta. As both
the warring parties are trying their best to remain in good books of India, poor in Susta are forcibly getting converted
into Indian citizens without much opposition from the government and political parties that are meant to fight for the
citizens right. Citizens of Susta are the recent victims of bullish and oppressive policies of the Indian expansionists.
Nepal is not only the nation that is having a border dispute with India. India has an ongoing border dispute with China,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Although, the areas in contention with China and Pakistan are among the largest
existing land boundary disputes in the world. The Indo-Bangladeshi contention over New Moore/South Talpatty Island and
Indo-Nepali dispute over Kalapani and Susta involve comparatively small area. But the point here is not how big or small
the area of dispute is.
It's about the India's attitude towards it neighbors in the region. With three-quarters of the landmass, population and
economy of the region, India has developed a bullish and hegemonic attitude towards its neighbor. Even after having
fought wars with China and a recent war (Kargil) over Kashmir with Pakistan, India has not acknowledged the importance
of peaceful coexistence. In addition to the already existing issues such as Kalapani which has been forcibly occupied by
the Indian army; the Laxmanpur Barrage that has resulted in the flooding of Nepalese villages; the Mahakali treaty that
is unfairly loaded in favor of India, the recent Susta encroachment exhibits India's increasing lust over foreign
territories. What New Delhi should understand is, national boundaries are symptomatic of wider bilateral relations and
manifestations of national identity. They can be trip-wires of war.
The seething anger of the people of China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal against the Indian expansionism may burst
into the open any time in near future. The people of these countries in order to ascertain their self respect and
nationalism can burst open and harm Indian interests and establishments in their respective countries and the region as
they did during the Hritik Roshan Fiasco in Nepal. The anti-Indian feeling in Nepal is at the highest level and the
Nepalese citizens are bitter to the core. India should realize that relationship built on genuine equality and mutual
respect, is the only guarantee for peace and development in South Asia.
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Hari Bansha Dulal is a doctoral student of Environmental Science and Public Policy at George Mason University,
Virginia, USA.