India-Nepal relations

However, he did not discuss issues of importance to Nepal with PM Modi, such as Gurkha recruitment.

Nepal opposed the scheme last year and halted the recruitment of its Gorkhas into the Indian Army.

Dahal’s preoccupation with the survival of his government was one reason for the delay. But also, India may not have wanted to engage with a shaky PM.

They have begun a feasibility study to build a railway line linking Kathmandu with Kerung in the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Continued political instability could allow external powers to increase their influence in the country's political landscape.

Despite the scheme having major implications for Nepal and Nepal-India relations, India hardly consulted Kathmandu while devising the plan.

Its invitation to Maoist Center chief Dahal signals that it is willing to build bonds even with those it differs ideologically.

The two countries share strong cultural, religious, political, and economic ties. The same issues can pull them apart.

The Indian prime minister’s religious diplomacy could make Nepal a pawn in India’s domestic politics, even make it appear complicit in BJP’s communal politics.

The choice to visit Lumbini for Buddha's birthday was carefully crafted both religiously and geopolitically.

Nepal has shifted more toward India and the United States under the Deuba government, sparking concern from Beijing.