Nepal Joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative, Raising Concerns in New Delhi

Nepal has officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a move that has triggered growing concerns in New Delhi. This decision comes after the recent election results, where Nepal’s Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli, broke with tradition by choosing China as his first foreign destination instead of New Delhi.

Oli is currently in Beijing, where he is set to finalize agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The partnership is expected to boost Nepal’s infrastructure development through Chinese investments, including highways, railways, and energy projects under the BRI framework.

This shift towards China marks a significant change in Nepal’s foreign policy, which has traditionally been closer to India. For India, the move is seen as a strategic challenge, as Nepal’s proximity to India has always made it a key area of influence for New Delhi. The inclusion of Nepal in the BRI is likely to further strengthen China’s presence in South Asia, intensifying geopolitical rivalries in the region.