Kathmandu: India is fighting a tough perception battle in Nepal as the landlocked country nestled in the Himalayas moves closer to China. In Nepal's capital Kathmandu several people say that China is supplying fuel to their country even as India has been denying the same.
Many political parties, outfits and Maoist groups are also fuelling anti-India sentiments in the hill regions of Nepal. There is a strong sentiment in the hill regions of the country that New Delhi is supporting Madhesis, who trace their origin to India. They say they don't care about the Terai region of the country and people living there, but they need fuel.
Kathmandu has been blaming New Delhi for the economic blockade even as the Government of India says it has been sending as much fuel as possible despite the protests in the Terai regions of the country. Very few fuel pumps are open in the country as most of them have run dry.
Nepal promulgated a new Constitution in September leading to massive protests by Madhesi population. They claim the Constitution discriminates against them and makes them second class citizens in the country. The protests have led to shortage of fuel to Nepal as all the supply to the country is routed through India.
Nepal has accused India of deliberately denying fuel and has turned towards China which lost no time in extending a hand of friendship. Nepal alleges that India has imposed an "economic blockade". India has denied the charge.
Indian officials have been claiming that protest in Nepal have made it very difficult to supply fuel. They have asked Nepalese government to start a dialogue with the Madhesi protesters and assuage their fears of discrimination.
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