The geopolitical landscape of South Asia continues to evolve, with India forced to concede its traditionally uncontested influence to other superpowers, namely, China and the United States. While the US is more strategically allied with India, increasing Chinese influence has directly challenged Indian hegemony in the region. Considering all of these moving pieces, there arises the question of what this geopolitical shift means for recipient countries like Nepal, which has continued to rely on aid provided by developed countries to expand its infrastructures and spur economic growth.
In this episode of Conversations, which is the first of a two-part series, we have PEI’s own Anurag Acharya with our guest, the former Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Ranjit Rae. The two speakers examine India’s role in Nepal, in context of the recent domestic political developments that have shaped bilateral relationships and aid negotiations with New Delhi.
Mr. Ranjit Rae is an Indian diplomat with over 30 years of experience in the Indian Foreign Service, which includes participation in complex negotiations both at bilateral and multilateral levels and extensive work in conflict areas. He has since held various positions in international and state organizations, including the Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations, the UN Advisory Committee on Administrative and Budgetary Questions (ACABQ), as well as Offices of the Minister of External Affairs and of the President of India, where Mr. Rae served as a Press Secretary to the President.