Despite the growing tensions between two neighbors, Nepalese diplomats argued that it is not going to create any problems for Nepal as Nepal maintains neutrality in the disputes between the two.

Given such a long border with India and China, it will also indirectly affect Nepal. “As the current issue between the two countries is serious, we need to remain neutral,” said former Nepalese ambassador to China Dr. Mahesh Maskey. We need to be panic now because of the border tension.”

Former Nepalese Ambassador to India Dr. Lok Raj Baral also holds the view that this kind of tension continues between India and China for long. Recent Chinese move is a part of China to penetrate South Asia and it has created a problem,” said Dr. Baral. “As there continue to have diplomatic talks to sort out the problems, it will settle in time.”

“Although we don’t involve in the disputes, Foreign of Affairs and Nepalese diplomatic missions closely watching the development,” said an official in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Annapurna Post daily.

However, Indian retired general said India-China Rivalry Inevitable, Will Play Out in Nepal, Bhutan.  Retired Lt. General of Indian Army DS Hooda writes if India backs down in its support to Bhutan, its influence and standing in the region will be seriously weakened.

In his article published in News 18 online, Lt General Hooda said as the India-China standoff in Dokalam Plateau nears three weeks, there does not appear to be an immediate solution in sight. No doubt, diplomats in South Block, and their counterparts in Beijing would be working overtime, but the shrill rhetoric from the official Chinese media will only make their job much more difficult.

“If Nepal is to be wooed with Chinese money, Bhutan is sought to be coerced by military power. If India backs down in its support to Bhutan, its influence and standing in the region will be seriously weakened. This is what gives the current face off a dimension which is larger than a routine border incident,” said General Hooda.

Also Read https://www.spotlightnepal.com/2017/07/08/india-china-rivalry-inevitable-will-play-out-nepal-bhutan-indian-retired-general/

He said that enough has been written about the respective positions of the three countries on the location of the tri-junction. Notwithstanding cartographic justifications, nations must carefully weigh the outcome of their actions in a realistic geopolitical framework.