Nepal, Oct. 27 -- Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle's recent comments in India have stirred up a debate about Nepali nationalism. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi, he said that the period of nationalism tied to anti-India feeling has become a thing of the past. Political leaders and international affairs experts were quick to criticize his remarks, questioning his knowledge of nationalism and Nepal's relationship with its neighbors

Wagle, however, is fair about one thing: Nepal and India share deep links. The two nations have an open border, cultural ties, familial contacts, and considerable commerce. Nepal needs positive ties with India to boost its economy and preserve regional peace. However, claiming that the age of a...