Nepal seals agreement on transit rights through China

Underlining the growing role of China in South Asia, Nepal secured transit rights through China following an agreement in Beijing between Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.

However, playing down the impact of the agreements between Nepal and China, the future of the agreements depended on the issue of “economic viability” of the transit facilities and train connectivity projects.

A challenge for South Asia

It is pointed out that the development represented “a challenge not just for India but for entire South Asia. However, it should not trigger a panic reaction from India.

China would have to ponder about how it could implement a rail and transit agreement for Nepal without opening up the Tibet region to the world.

Current Affairs 21st March, 2016
Highlights of Union Budget 2016-17
Highlights of Railway Budget 2016