Product Full Information

• ISBN: 9780670095216

• Author: Ranjit Rae

• Genre: International Relations, India Nepal

• Publication: Vintage Books

• Pages: 224pages

• Format: Hardback

• Language: English

'...unmatched in its meticulous and careful research into the wellsprings of a truly unique relationship between two neighbouring states.' SHYAM SARAN'Ranjit Rae's portrayal of India-Nepal relations from the Indian perspective is meticulous, nuanced and insightful." S.D. MUNI'Ranjit Rae breaks down the paradox of India's very intimate yet troubled relationship with Nepal.' C. RAJA MOHANThe first two decades of the new millennium have witnessed a dramatic socio-political transformation of Nepal. A violent Maoist insurgency ended peacefully, a new constitution abolished the monarchy and established a secular federal democratic republic. Nevertheless, political stability and a peace dividend have both remainedelusive. Nepal is also buffeted by changing geopolitics, including the US-China contestation for influenceand the uneasy relationship between India and China.As a close neighbour, India has been deeply associated with the seminal changes in Nepal, and the bilateral relationship has seen many twists and turns. Partly a memoir, this book examines India's perspective on these developments, in the context of the civilizational and economic underpinnings of the India-Nepalrelationship, as well as issues that continue to prevent this relationship from exploiting its full potential. Though there are several Nepalese accounts that deal with this subject, there are few from an Indian point of view.fills this gap.

Review

Kathmandu Dilemna reflects Ranjit Rae's deep and extended engagement in India's relations with Nepal and is unmatched in its meticulous and careful research into the wellsprings of a truly unique relationship between two neighbouring states. The book provides the geopolitical context in which the relationship has been unfolding, including the rising footprint of China throughout India's periphery. The author has explored the many assets India enjoys in consolidating and expanding what is indisputably one of India's most important and significant relationships. There are valuable policy prescriptions which are clearly spelt out reflecting Ranjit Rae's profound understanding of what drives Nepal's attitudes towards India, both the elements of anxiety as well as affinity. This book will remain an indispensable reference on Nepal and India-Nepal relations for years to come. -- SHYAM SARANAmbassador Ranjit Rae's portrayal of India-Nepal relations from the Indian perspective is meticulous, nuanced and insightful. It presents a sharp scrutiny of contemporary and controversial issues in this complex and unique relationship. Will be found valuable not only by scholars and analysts but also by teachers, leaders and policy makers. -- S.D. MUNIIn, Ranjit Rae breaks down the paradox of India's very intimate yet troubled relationship with Nepal. Combining a genuine affection for Nepal and an extensive diplomatic experience in dealing with its government and people, Rae makes sense of Kathmandu's deep discomfort with the overpowering Indian embrace and outlines steps that could help Delhi reconstruct the relationship based on sovereign equality and mutual benefit. -- C. RAJA MOHAN

About the Author

Ranjit Rae is a former Indian ambassador to Nepal. He also headed the Northern Division in the Ministry of External Affairs, dealing with India's Himalayan neighbours, Nepal and Bhutan, from 2002 to 2006. Since retirement, Rae has been involved in travelling, trekking and trying to make sense of the developments in Nepal. This is his first book.