UPSC PracticeUPSC Practice
UPSC Notes

India-Nepal Bilateral Relations

PYQs

9

Articles

2

Momentum

28

Phase IFoundation

Background

Overview

Understanding India's foreign policy, neighborhood relations, and regional stability is crucial for GS2. The dynamics with Nepal impact India's security, economic interests, and regional leadership, making it a recurring topic in UPSC examinations.

India and Nepal share a unique relationship characterized by open borders, deep historical, cultural, and economic linkages, often referred to as 'Roti Beti Ka Rishta'. This relationship is crucial for regional stability and India's neighbourhood first policy.

Phase IIStatic core

Facts & tables

Key facts

Roti Beti Ka Rishta

Signifies deep social, familial, and cultural ties between the people of both nations.

Defence Cooperation

Includes military-to-military exchanges, training, and the unique tradition of conferring honorary General ranks.

Civilisational Links

Strong connections through shared religious and historical sites like Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya.

Strategic Importance

Nepal is a key neighbour for India's security and regional stability, central to its 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950)

Forms the bedrock of bilateral ties, allowing free movement of people and goods between the two countries.

Economic Interdependence

India is Nepal's largest trading partner and source of foreign investment, with significant remittances from Nepali workers in India.

Hydropower Cooperation Potential

Extensive potential for cooperation in hydropower generation, though often fraught with challenges and delays.

Border Disputes

Key disputed territories include Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, which periodically strain relations.

Reference table

Static syllabus anchors

TypeReference
Conceptual areaInternational Relations

Reference table

Institutions & roles

BodyRole
Indian ArmyImplements
Nepali ArmyImplements
Ministry of Defence, IndiaOversees
President of NepalConfers honorary ranks
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)Conducts diplomatic relations and formulates india's foreign policy towards nepal
Phase IIIExam lens

Prelims angle

Overview

Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis

Prelims angle: Factual recall

Quick revision

  • Unique open border and 'Roti Beti Ka Rishta' define the relationship.
  • Strong defence cooperation, including the tradition of honorary ranks.
  • Shared civilisational links through religious sites like Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodhgaya.
  • Key to India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and regional stability.
  • Military diplomacy plays a significant role in strengthening ties.

High-confidence PYQs

2026Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

International RelationsOpen question

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Tran...

International RelationsOpen question
2026Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

International RelationsOpen question

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Tran...

International RelationsOpen question
2024Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It ...

International RelationsOpen question
2023Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative...

International RelationsOpen question
2019Factual recall, Policy measures

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

International RelationsOpen question
2018Conceptual understanding, Policy measures

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

International RelationsOpen question

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

International RelationsOpen question
2018Factual recall, Terminology-based question

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

International RelationsOpen question

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

International RelationsOpen question
2016Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

International RelationsOpen question
2015Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

International RelationsOpen question

Topic timeline

International Relations
Prelims 2015· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

Open question
Prelims 2016· Factual recall, Institutional roles and functions

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

Open question
Prelims 2018· Conceptual understanding, Policy measures

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

Open question

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

Open question
Prelims 2018· Factual recall, Terminology-based question

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

Open question

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

Open question
Prelims 2019· Factual recall, Policy measures

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

Open question
Prelims 2023· Statement-based questions, Factual recall

Consider the following statements: Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative...

Open question
Prelims 2024· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It ...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Multi-statement analysis, Factual recall

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

Open question

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Tran...

Open question
Prelims 2026· Factual recall, Multi-statement analysis

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

Open question

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Tran...

Open question

Army Chief Dhiraj Seth visits Nepal to strengthen military ties

17 Aug 2026 · India-Nepal relations are multifaceted, encompassing defence, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties, vital for regional stability and India's strategic interests.

Read article

Nepal’s agony, the Himalayan warning to India

31 Aug 2026 · India-Nepal relations are complex, built on historical ties and open borders but challenged by geopolitical issues, border disputes, and the need for greater Indian responsiveness to Nepal's concerns.

Read article

Related topics

Current topic

India-Nepal Bilateral Relations

Often confused with

Multinational Military Exercises and Regional Security Cooperation

Open notesOften confused with

Climate Change Impacts in the Himalayas

Open notes

Practice writing on this topic

UPSC has asked 9 linked questions on India-Nepal Bilateral Relations in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.

See Mains PYQsEvaluate an answer

UPSC Prelims PYQs on India-Nepal Bilateral Relations

Practice official previous year questions asked by UPSC related to this concept.

The Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany visited India in January, 2026. Which of the following is/are **not** correct in terms of outcomes of this ...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following connectivity projects is/are a part of cooperation between India and the ASEAN member countries ? 1. Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Tran...

2026·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following statements about 'Exercise Mitra Shakti-2023' are correct? 1. This was a joint military exercise between India and Bangladesh. 2. It ...

2024·International Relations
Solve

Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the follow...

2019·International Relations
Solve

Consider the following statements: Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative...

2023·International Relations
Solve

In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?

2018·International Relations
Solve

The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -

2018·International Relations
Solve

In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not participant/ participants? 1. Bangladesh 2. Cambodia 3. Ch...

2015·International Relations
Solve

Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?

2016·International Relations
Solve

Editorial & Review Process

Every revision note and practice question on UPSC Practice is researched using authoritative primary sources and reviewed for factual accuracy, syllabus relevance, and exam value. Read our Editorial Policy.

Verified Quality
Browse all topics