Nepal, June 20 -- state between two major Asian powers-India and China. Historically, it has attracted sustained attention from the United States and Russia. Publicly, they support Nepal's wellbeing, but each pursues its own interests. These interests are often discussed in Nepal but rarely examined within a single framework.

India's interest in Nepal has been shaped by geography, water resources, and political engagement. Since the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, New Delhi has regarded Nepal as part of its northern security belt. Indian intelligence networks have closely monitored political transitions, political movements and internal politics in Nepal. Its concerns have been fundamentally strategic.

China's interest deepened aft...