Nepal - So near, yet so far

It is a country which is probably closer to India than any other country -- both in terms of geographic proximity as well as cultural similarities. Yet, relations between India and Nepal have often been tumultous, partly because of what the Nepalese perceive as India's 'big brother' attitude towards their country. It has also not helped matters that India has a large Nepalese blue-collar work force, towards whom fingers of suspicion are quickly pointed, if a crime is commited and they happen to be around. No wonder then that Nepal is touchy about India -- similarly, India too has the tendency to take Nepal for granted. In this scenario, the question that arises is this: are Nepal and India always destined to remain so near, yet so far?

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