Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle has started a political argument over what nationalism means in Nepal. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on October 23, he said the time when Nepali nationalism was tied to anti-India feeling has ended.
Wagle said Nepal and India share deep historical, cultural and economic links, and that the new government wants to take the relationship further. He said closer cooperation could create opportunities for both countries.
What Wagle said
Finance Minister said, " There was a time when nationalism in Nepal was associated with anti-India sentiment. But that era is over."
He described the two countries as closely connected, said problems do arise between neighbours and argued that the relationship is unusual. His focus was on trade, investment, connectivity and regional prosperity. He also indicated that Prime Minister Balendra Shah could visit India before the end of 2026.
It was not the first time he said something like this. In a September interview, he called for a reset in Nepal-India relations and said nationalism should not mean opposing India. He named energy, air connectivity, transport links, reconstruction and updating the bilateral trade treat as areas to work on. He also said disputes such as the boundary issue should be handled through diplomacy.
The criticism
Former Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chairman Kamal Thapa objected. He argued that Nepali nationalism should not be defined as hostility to any one country, His point was that opposing Indian actions that affect Nepal's interests should not automatically count as anti-India.
Other communist leaders have criticised the remarks too, accusing Wagle of trying to please New Delhi and to strengthen his position at home.
Why the history matters
India is one of the Nepal's most important partners. The two share an open border, family and cultural ties, and large trade and energy links. Nepal's landlocked economy depends heavily on the southern route.
The relationship has also had strain. Territorial disputes over Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura remain sensitive. So does the 2015 border disruption, which Nepal widely called an unofficial blockade and India disputed as a description. Memories luke these are why words about nationalism and India carry weight.
The test is results
Wagle argues that stronger ties could bring investment, trade, better connectivity and a share in India's growth. The government will be judged on outcomes such as better market access for Nepali goods, investment commitments, cross-border projects and steadier trade rues. It will also be judged on whether Nepal keeps raising its disputes through formal channels.
