Amid rising political tensions in Nepal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to conduct a military exercise near the critical tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China in Uttarakhand from September 22 to 30. This comes after Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned, leaving the country in a political flux.
The IAF has issued a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen), alerting civilian aircraft to avoid certain airspace during this period. Although details about the exercise remain sparse, similar past drills featured fighter jet maneuvers and rapid deployment operations, likely to be led by the Central Air Command from Bareilly Air Base.
This military exercise has raised eyebrows due to its timing and location. The chosen area is geopolitically sensitive, particularly at Lipulekh and Kalapani, which have been sources of dispute between India and Nepal. Oli had previously heightened these tensions by releasing a controversial map that included parts of Indian territory.
Shortly after Oli’s resignation, discussions about a new interim government are in progress. Names like Sushila Karki, the former Chief Justice, and Balen Shah, the popular Mayor of Kathmandu, are being considered as potential leaders. With the Nepal Army stepping up its security role, India’s military activity is viewed as a warning amidst uncertainties in Nepal’s political landscape.
Experts believe that the IAF’s actions are about more than just preparation. They signal India’s intent to maintain stability in the region, especially with the risk of external actors, such as China, taking advantage of Nepal’s turmoil. Political commentator Dr. Ramesh Dhamala notes that “Stability in Nepal is vital for regional security, and India is showing that it won’t stand idle.”
This situation provides a window into broader geopolitical dynamics. As Nepal navigates its leadership changes, India seems determined to keep a close eye on developments. Historical tensions may resurface as political fragments emerge, mirroring instances from the past when shifts in governance triggered heightened military posturing in the region.
As these events unfold, social media is rife with discussions on the implications for Nepal-India relations and the balance of power in the Himalayas. Many local commentators emphasize the importance of diplomatic approaches over military ones, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
The IAF exercise, while routine, thus carries significant weight in the context of regional security, underscoring the intricate balance of power at the India-Nepal-China crossroads.
For further reading on regional security dynamics, refer to this report by the [Centre for Policy Research](https://www.cprindia.org) on South Asian geopolitics.
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