Subcontinental lessons for India: Tough talking is better done silently

SUHASINI HAIDAR, thehindu.com

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Excerpt:

Nobody can doubt India’s influence in Nepal, as a home for Nepalis who send back much- needed remittances, and as a provider of both civil and military supplies. ...

[I]f as some in the security establishment claim, China has had an influence on the outcome in Nepal, then there must be some enquiry into how this slipped Indian notice. Finally, there must be an understanding that India’s interests are not the only casualty to the tough talking version of public diplomacy: future negotiations on amending the constitution and helping the Madhesi groups win their rights are hampered by the detailed objections India has made to the statute. The Koirala government will find it hard to accept any of the 6-7 amendments suggested by India without a loss of face domestically. ...