A trilateral cooperation of mutual gain

The idea of China-India-Nepal trilateral cooperation appears to be gaining a level of acceptance that was not evident even a few years ago. While proposed cooperation among the three countries requires a detailed, even technical, articulation, a more theoretical and philosophical treatment of the matter is also very much in order.

The process of Asia's two largest countries, both in terms of area and population, combining with a much smaller one like Nepal to advance an agenda of trilateral cooperation is unprecedented. The concept of China-India-Nepal cooperation represents an entirely new current in international relations and would provide an exceptional platform to promote regional peace, stability and growth.

Much of the discourse on China-India relations presents the two countries essentially as future strategic competitors in Asia, if not the world. Mainstream discourse is a reflection of reality, but not necessarily. French philosopher Michael Foucault turned this logic around by arguing that discourse can also create reality. These two positions are not mutually exclusive; they tend to reinforce each other. The process is fungible.

A milieu may be gradually crystallizing in certain quarters where there is greater acceptance of the notion that China and India can cooperate in South Asia within a trilateral framework that includes a country like Nepal, on which India has had a greater impact than China.

A lot of discussion has centered on the notion of a resurgent Asia. Resurgence can be conceived in different ways but for the sake of simplicity it can be construed in terms of confidence. Most analysts, however, would agree that India does not enjoy parity with China in terms of economic performance or military power. China is poised to overtake the United States as the largest economy in the next 15 years or so. The confidence which the economic success gives rise to is palpable in Chinese society.

But India, too, is beginning to demonstrate confidence, which springs from a rich and deep well that is Indian history and civilization, and its impressive economic performance in the last two decades.

It is because of this confidence that India is willing to explore the meanings and dimensions of China-India-Nepal cooperation. This is an incredible development because for long Indians have considered the northern frontiers of Nepal, or the Himalayas, as a barrier for India. China-India-Nepal trilateral would necessitate the relaxation of such a concept.