India and China are competing for influence in Nepal, particularly in the city of Pokhara, Nepali Times reports.
Both India and China are investing heavily in infrastructure projects, with China pushing for direct flights and India expressing reservations and organizing competing activities.
Pokhara’s strategic location, with its links to the military and refugees which are of interest to both nations, makes it even more sensitive. China sees Pokhara as a potential trade hub, but Nepal is unable to manage its relationship with the two neighboring giants, balancing diplomatic sensitivities and a lack of international connections.