India’s Development Assistance and Connectivity Projects in Nepal

Abstract

The study examined primary and secondary resources pertaining to India’s development assistance to Nepal. A thorough analysis of the Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)/Agreements since the 1950s was conducted, and census data was also clinically examined. Further, important publications, such as book and reports, were studied in detail. A field study was conducted for a more comprehensive understanding of the connectivity projects, which involved interviews of policy-makers, academicians, journalists and other stakeholders in India as well as in Nepal. These interviews were semi-structured and quite often witnessed free-flowing conversation on the subject of connectivity issues in Nepal. A one-day workshop was also organised in Kathmandu, Nepal, which witnessed participation of a wide range of stakeholders. A preliminary report was presented at the workshop, and the suggestions of the participants at the workshop have also been included in the report. This report benefitted immensely from the comments/suggestions of various participants at the workshop. It should be noted that this report avoided a comparative study of India’s development assistance with reference to development assistance provided other emerging powers to Nepal. Such a comparative study would merit a standalone report, as it will have to compare projects which have been implemented in different geographic regions spread over differing time periods.