‘Chi’s role in Nepal shouldn’t make India nervous’

Beijing, Jan 19: India should not be nervous of Chi’s expanding role in Nepal, and realise that New Delhi and Beijing could help Kathmandu in bettering its infrastructure, a Chinese daily said on Wednesday. A Global Times editorial also told India to drop the mentality that Chi is trying to undercut its influence in South Asia.

“Instead of being nervous of Chi’s expanding role in Nepal, India should know that there are opportunities for both Chi and India to tap into Nepal’s hydropower industry and help the country improve its infrastructure,” the daily said.

“India should change the mentality that Chi is trying to undercut its influence in South Asia and instead put serious action into helping promote regiol economic development. This is also a practical choice for Asian countries amid a slow recovery of the world economy.”

“Chi and Nepal have moved one major step forward in kick starting a joint venture to build a long-delayed hydropower project in Nepal that has the potential to enhance regiol energy supply security and unlock economic growth,”

“The latest progress in the project may put some pressure on other Asian countries, particularly India, to rebalance their strategic and economic calculations and decide whether they want to join Chi in improving regiol infrastructure and reap gains from engaging in pragmatic economic cooperation,”

“The Nepal Electricity Authority recently signed an initial agreement with Chi Three Gorges Corporation (CTGC) to develop the $1.6 billion West Seti hydropower project in midwest Nepal, which could generate 750 megawatts of power when completed.” the article said.

“The project is expected to address chronic power shortages in the country and boost the energy-starved economy. If it is connected to grids in other South Asian countries after it goes into operation, it could increase the stability and security of the power supply in the region and unleash regiol economic potential.” According to a report last year from India’s think tank Gateway House, Chinese investments in Nepal overtook India for the first time in 2014 and contributed to 42 percent of total foreign direct investment to Nepal in 2015-16. (IANS)