Did Congress Drive Nepal Closer to China? Nishikant Dubey Critiques Rajiv Gandhi’s Foreign Policy
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Synopsis
In a bold statement, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey critiques Congress for its foreign policy, linking it to Nepal's shift towards China. He references Rajiv Gandhi's personal grievances affecting India's relations with its neighbor, leading to dire consequences for the region. Discover the implications of past decisions on today’s geopolitical landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Nishikant Dubey's strong criticism of Congress highlights the complex history of Indo-Nepal relations.
- The impact of Rajiv Gandhi's personal grievances on diplomatic ties raised concerns about individual influences on foreign policy.
- Economic measures taken by India were seen as counterproductive and led Nepal towards China.
- The situation underscores the importance of historical context in current geopolitical dynamics.
- India's foreign policy continues to be a topic of debate, reflecting past and present challenges.
New Delhi, June 16 (NationPress) BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has made a pointed criticism of the Congress party, claiming that its foreign policy is “family-centric” and has led to enduring adverse effects for India and its neighboring countries. In a post shared on X, Dubey stated, “The foreign policy of Congress has been focused on a single family, and India continues to bear the consequences. The world’s only Hindu nation is no longer in existence.”
He referred to an incident from 1988, where he accused former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi of mismanaging India’s relationship with Nepal over a personal slight.
Dubey recounted that Rajiv Gandhi's desire to visit the Pashupatinath Temple— a site traditionally limited to Hindus— was met with refusal.
“Just as non-Muslims cannot enter Mecca, non-Hindus are barred from entering Nepal’s Pashupatinath Temple. Rajiv Gandhi took this denial personally,” Dubey asserted.
He claimed that as a reaction, India raised customs duties on products destined for Nepal.
“This economic pressure resulted in Nepal leaning towards China. To avoid further tensions, King Birendra entered into an agreement with China for arms and food supplies,” he explained.
Additionally, he claimed this led to India enforcing an economic blockade on Nepal in 1989, which deteriorated bilateral relations and created a void that China filled.
Dubey further alleged that Indian intelligence agencies played a role in shaping Nepal’s political landscape.
“RAW officer Amar Bhushan, who is still active, was instructed to oust King Birendra and support the rise of Prachanda, a leader backed by China. Consequently, Nepal is no longer recognized as a Hindu nation,” he asserted.
These statements from the BJP MP occurred as Congress critiqued the Modi government’s foreign policy, labeling it ineffective.
Point of View
It is crucial to approach this topic with a balanced perspective. The historical context provided by Nishikant Dubey highlights the intricate ties between India and Nepal, reflecting how past foreign policies can have long-lasting impacts. While critiques of Congress's past decisions are valid, it is essential to also consider the current government's strategies in navigating these complex relationships moving forward.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main accusation by Nishikant Dubey against Congress?
Nishikant Dubey accused Congress of having a family-oriented foreign policy that negatively impacted India's relations with its neighbors, particularly Nepal.
How did Rajiv Gandhi's visit to Nepal affect bilateral relations?
Dubey claims that Rajiv Gandhi's personal affront when denied entry to a Hindu temple led to India imposing economic pressure on Nepal, ultimately pushing it closer to China.
What were the consequences of the economic blockade on Nepal?
The economic blockade imposed by India in 1989 worsened bilateral relations with Nepal, creating a vacuum that China later filled.
Who was Amar Bhushan and what role did he play?
Amar Bhushan was a RAW officer allegedly tasked with influencing Nepal's political landscape by removing King Birendra and facilitating the rise of a China-backed leader.
How has the Modi government been criticized in relation to foreign policy?
The Congress party has criticized the Modi government, claiming its foreign policy has also been ineffective, drawing parallels with past government actions.
