Department of Strategic and Regional Studies, University of Jammu organised a public lecture on “Nepal Crisis and its Impact on India”

JAMMU: The Department of Strategic and Regional Studies (DSRS), University of Jammu, organised an engaging online lecture on “Nepal Crisis and its Impact on India” delivered by Prof. Sangeeta Thapliyal, Faculty in JNU, a distinguished scholar of South Asian Studies and an authority on Nepalese politics and foreign policy.

In her address, Prof. Thapliyal provided a comprehensive overview of Nepal’s contemporary political landscape, tracing the journey of the Himalayan nation from monarchy to republican democracy. She highlighted the fragile nature of coalition politics, frequent changes in government, and the challenges faced in the effective implementation of the 2015 Constitution. According to her, issues such as federal restructuring, identity-based demands, and governance deficits continue to test the stability of Nepal’s democratic institutions.

Prof. Thapliyal further emphasised that Nepal’s geopolitical positioning between India and China adds layers of complexity to its political decision-making. While China has sought to expand its footprint in Nepal through connectivity and infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), India remains Nepal’s closest neighbour with deep historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties. She stressed that the India–Nepal relationship is central to regional peace and cooperation, but requires careful management of sensitivities, including border disputes and trade issues.

On the foreign policy front, Prof. Thapliyal pointed out that Nepal has been attempting to maintain a delicate balance in its relations with both India and China, while also engaging with other regional and global actors. However, she cautioned that excessive politicisation of foreign relations within Nepalese domestic politics often complicates this balancing act.

The lecture also shed light on emerging political trends, including the rising role of youth in politics, debates over inclusivity, and the importance of strengthening democratic values to ensure long-term stability. She underscored that Nepal’s political evolution will not only shape its internal governance but also influence South Asia’s broader strategic environment.

The lecture was followed by an interactive discussion where participants raised questions on issues ranging from the future of Nepal’s federal structure, the role of external actors, to the implications of Nepal’s politics on India’s security and regional policy. Prof. Thapliyal responded to each query with scholarly depth and clarity. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Virender Koundal, Director, DSRS, noted that such deliberations are crucial for building an informed understanding of India’s neighbourhood, particularly in a region where domestic politics directly influence bilateral and regional relations.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Mohd Monir Alam, expressing gratitude to Prof. Thapliyal for her valuable insights and to the participants for their enthusiastic engagement. This lecture was attended by Dr. Ganesh Malhotra, Dr. Ranjan Sharma, Dr. Sunil Kumar, research scholars and PG students of the department.