PYQs
10
Articles
3
Momentum
31
Essential for understanding India's foreign policy, particularly the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, regional geopolitics, economic diplomacy, and challenges in bilateral relations.
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.
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.
Key Areas of India-Nepal Cooperation
| Area | Examples/Significance |
|---|---|
| Trade & Investment | India is Nepal's largest trading partner; focus on enhancing bilateral trade and FDI. |
| Connectivity | Road, rail, and energy projects (e.g., cross-border pipelines, railway lines). |
| Development Assistance | Grants, Lines of Credit for infrastructure, education, health, and disaster relief. |
| People-to-People | Open border, cultural exchanges, religious tourism, educational opportunities. |
Static syllabus anchors
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | International Relations |
Institutions & roles
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Indian Army | Implements |
| Nepali Army | Implements |
| Ministry of Defence, India | Oversees |
| President of Nepal | Confers honorary ranks |
| Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) | Conducts diplomatic relations and formulates india's foreign policy towards nepal |
| Ministry of External Affairs (India) | Oversees |
| Ministry of Finance, India | Implements |
Prelims angle: Multi-statement analysis
Prelims angle: 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 ...
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...
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 ...
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...
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?
The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?
The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...
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...
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...
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...
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...
Open questionIn 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 questionWith reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...
Open questionIn 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 questionThe 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 questionWhich 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 questionThe 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 questionWhich 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 questionArmy 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 articleNepal’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 articleFM Nirmala Sitharaman meets Nepalese counterpart Wagle, discusses flood recovery
18 Sep 2026 · India-Nepal relations are a cornerstone of India's Neighbourhood First policy, characterized by extensive economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation, with ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and address shared challenges like disaster recovery.
Read articleUPSC has asked 10 linked questions on India-Nepal Bilateral Relations in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.
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 ...
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...
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...
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, Consider the following statements: 1. It was established very recently i...
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 ...
Consider the following statements: Statement-I :Israel has established diplomatic relations with some Arab States. Statement-II :The 'Arab Peace Initiative...
Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’?
In the Indian context, what is the implication of ratifying the 'Additional Protocol' with the `International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)'?
The term "two-state solution" is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of -
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...
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