The India-Nepal relations have always been both intimate as well as complex. India has long been counting on the Himalayan barrier of northern Nepal as its natural defense against China. In recent times, however, India has been concerned that anti-Indian terrorist groups could use Nepal as a base of operations.

Now, when monarchy has been given a burial by democratic forces of Nepal, and given the significance of Nepal to India's security interests, it is imperative that India should redefine its political, economic, diplomatic and cultural relations with Nepal. This is also the time for India and Nepal to reassess their past relations with each other.

There have been several instances when Indian foreign policy towards Nepal has caused anger among the people of Nepal. Similarly, Nepal has also caused anger among Indian political circles. The restoration of democracy in Nepal provided a unique historic opportunity for a qualitative enhancement of bilateral relations between the two countries, which rest on age-old social, economic and cultural ties; shared faith in democracy, freedom and the rule of law; and pursuit of peace, stability and prosperity To cite the most recent example of India's ambiguous foreign policy, in 2005, when King Gyanendra's assumed direct power, China, Pakistan and Russia viewed it as a purely domestic issue for Nepal to resolve on its own.

But the Indian government reacted negatively and also stayed away from a regional summit to meet the king. Not only that, India also temporarily suspended military supplies to protest the king's take over of power. This was not viewed by Nepal as an insignificant matter as India was its main weapons supplier. Tulsi Giri, vice-chairman of the ministerial council, then reacted sarcastically saying, "India coddles Bhutan's autocrat king but lectures us on democracy." The Indian stand, however, witnessed a change after few months when Prime Minister Manmohan Singh met with king at the Afro-Asian summit in Jakarta in April 2005.

New Delhi soon resumed military aid such as jeeps, bulletproof jackets and mine-proof vehicles to Nepal. This apparently caused anger among democratic forces who believed that the Indian government, instead of helping their cause, was strengthening the hand of monarchy. The report of Amnesty International in 2005, which singled out India along with other countries as the largest suppliers of arms, created fear among the political forces fighting for the restoration of democracy. As for as Nepal's foreign policy, it drew closer to China following India's reversal in Sino-Indian conflict of 1962.

Further, rejection of India's offer for a defense pact by Nepal was quite embarrassing for India. In 1989, India imposed a trade embargo on Nepal and closed 13 of 15 transit routes. The reason for the sanctions was the expiration of 1978 treaties between the countries that had provided for highly preferential reciprocal trade terms and transit rights. Nepal in retaliation took the matter to the UN raising India's anger. Nepal has at various times also expressed concern about what it sees as India's 'bullying' behaviour in the region.

Now that Nepal has decided to establish a democratic republic instead of democratic monarchy, Indian role in the region has become far more important. The popular support for democracy has been overwhelming and the Nepalese populace has very high expectation from the new government. However, as the experiences of several new democratic countries and Nepal's own past democratic experience suggests, democracy takes time to deliver.

Decision making in democracy is a matter of consensus. It is in Nepal's own interest to involve India in helping it build a strong democratic state. In this context, Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's official visit to India from in June last year should be considered as landmark. The Prime Minister of India conveyed India's readiness to render all possible assistance.

The two Prime Ministers have agreed to enhance the India-Nepal development partnership for expanding rural and economic infrastructures, developing education and healthcare facilities, and building human resources in Nepal. The Prime Minister of Nepal extended an invitation to his Indian counterpart to pay an official visit to Nepal. Though the date for the visit of Dr Manmohan Singh is yet be decided, it is hoped it would lead to a new era in Indo-Nepal relations.

The writer is Research Scholar at the School of International Studies