Swaraj to brief Nepal on Doklam standoff

Amidst the Doklam standoff with China, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Kathmandu for two days. Though the visit is for attending the two-day conclave of Foreign ministers of the BIMSTEC members countries, it will create much noise across the Himalayas. Swaraj is likely to meet her Nepalese counterpart to apprise him about the current standoff with China. Recently the Chinese head of mission met the Nepalese Ambassador to brief him on the Doklam standoff. After her kidney operation, this will be Swaraj's first foreign visit.

At the Kathmandu conference, Foreign ministers of Bangladesh, Myanmar and Bhutan would also be present. It is customary for Indian minister to meet all the neighbouring countries at one place. Other than Nepal, the Indian foreign minister's meeting with the Bhutanese Foreign minister will also assume significance.

For the past few months, China is increasing its influence on Nepal which is a matter of concern for South Block.

Recently China and Nepal have agreed on a joint military exercise. And, Nepal's participation in much debated OBOR Project and especially the decision to award a Chinese company the deal to build an 11 thousand megawatt hydro power project without any tender process did not go down well with India.