Shared Bonds, Strategic Interests

Shared Bonds, Strategic Interests: India-Nepal Relations in a Turbulent World is a thoughtful guide for those seeking to understand the challenges and opportunities arising from the close, yet complex and occasionally fraught relationship between India and Nepal.

In the essays included in this volume, leading scholars, diplomats and journal-ists from the two countries provide historical perspectives while addressing contemporary issues, including the implications of the current geopolitical flux and India-China rivalry as well as India’s Neighbourhood First policy on bilat-eral ties.

The Gen Z protests of September 2025 throughout Nepal, which overthrew the K. P. Oli government, are examined both in terms of prospects for domestic stability and fresh elections as well as relations with India in the immediate future. The authors also discuss opportunities for enhanced people-to-people engagement as well as economic partnership in diverse areas, with a special focus on water resources and hydropower, the Agniveer issue and the recruit-ment of Gorkha soldiers into the Indian Army as well as cooperation amongst the Himalayan communities straddling the two countries, among others.

This volume suggests concrete pathways for a strengthened partnership in a turbulent global environment. It is essential reading for policymakers, scholars and others interested in India’s neighbourhood.