India-Nepal Bilateral Relations: An Overview

India and Nepal share a unique association of friendship and cooperation characterized by open borders anddeep-rooted people-to-people contacts and culture. Under unique Treaty arrangements, national treatment isavailable for both Indian and Nepalese businesses; and there is reciprocal treatment of Indian and Nepalicitizens in the two countries, in residence, property, business and movement of human capital; among others.Identification of possible areas of collaborations and forging high socio-economic growth in the coming times isthe key. The recently signed agreements on partnership in agriculture, connectivity through inland waterwaysand expanding linkages to connect Indian railway lines to Kathmandu will bolster the trade prospects, which canbe further expanded to other SAARC economies relations during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure from2014 to 2024. It has three primary objectives: firstly, to understand the dynamics influencing the relationship;secondly, to identify and analyze challenges in maintaining and intensification bilateral ties; and thirdly, toexplore potential opportunities shaping their future relationship. The study considers historical, cultural, andpolitical factors moving the evolving dynamics, including recent border disputes, and employs a multi-methodological approach to provide an inclusive understanding of the multifaceted bilateral relationship underModi's leadership.