Old era of jingoism, equating Nepali nationalism with anti-Indianism, is over: Nepal Finance Minister — SkimNews
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- Swarnim Wagle made his first trip abroad as Finance Minister to Delhi, a month after floods devastated large areas of Nepal and the new government intensified reconstruction planning.
- Nepal's new Balen Shah government is seeking approximately $5 billion for flood recovery and will approach the AIIB, IMF, and World Bank for support, Wagle told The Hindu.
- Wagle said the government wants a 'reset' with India and a revision of old trade and connectivity projects, including long-delayed overflight rights for Nepali airports.
- Nepal will handle difficult issues like the border dispute in a 'constructive' manner, Wagle said, declaring that 'the old era of jingoism, equating Nepali nationalism with anti-Indianism, is over.'
Why it matters: Wagle's $5 billion ask signals how seriously Kathmandu views reconstruction needs one month after the floods, and the explicit 'reset' language plus the overflight-rights push shows Kathmandu is trying to unlock concrete deliverables — not just symbolism — in a relationship historically complicated by border disputes and Indian security sensitivities.
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