The Nepal Elections and OBOR

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/year-elections-nepal-moves-closer-china-171217065957502.html

For nations like Nepal, caught between the larger powers, the side to choose is becoming obvious. A move toward India would mean inviting in the financiers and New Delhi's war footing-policy based on the new alliance with Washington. Kathmandu doesn't want to be caught in the middle of India's conflict with Beijing.

China's OBOR (One Belt One Road) agenda allows Nepal to benefit from trade and bring it into a loose alliance with Beijing. China is playing the long-term game in seeking to extend soft power throughout Eurasia. While building up its military forces in the South China Sea, there are no indications that Beijing wishes to expand militarily into the Subcontinent or Central Asia.

A Nepal move toward India will bring in wealth for certain classes in Nepalese society and a risk of geopolitical tension. This fear is exacerbated in the era of Trump. A move toward Beijing affords more widespread economic opportunity and while it won't allow for total neutrality in world affairs it will allow the Himalayan nation a means to stay out of the larger struggle.

Additionally there are indications that Nepal is growing uncomfortable with Modi government in India. There have been several incidents and disputes. While Nepal still maintains a military relationship with New Delhi, it's likely that arrangement will begin to change.

Will the Indians be replaced by the Chinese? That could lead to further tensions between New Delhi and Beijing. Beijing would be content to have a buffer state on at least part of its long tortuous and disputed border with India.

The Nepalese in moving slightly away from India and a little closer to Beijing hope to stay out of the larger simmering conflict.  

Or at least they hope so. It doesn't always work that way.

While it sounds strange to Western ears the Christians of Nepal have largely supported the Maoist parties and so I must assume at this point they would at least offer tepid support to the move toward Beijing. Hindu politicking and nationalism is a source of fear for them, the very thing Modi represents and the source of such much grief for Christians in India.

Let us hope for their sake that the recent election does not ignite a new fire in the dreams and aspirations of Hindu nationalism. Undoubtedly New Delhi will be keen to finance such an agenda. This could lead to violence and suppression of Christians in Nepal.