Nepal PM K P Sharma Oli is to visit China from June 19-24 in the hope of confirming plans for a
China-Nepal economic corridor under
Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative. India is the only SCO member to refuse to endorse BRI.
The planned corridor would further reduce Nepal’s reliance on India and shift the balance of influence towards China in an area of military importance.
Beijing also hopes to soften Indian resistance to BRI, either by persuasion or by pressure.
PM Modi (L) and Nepali Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli shake hands ahead of a meeting in Kathmandu. (AFP File Photo)