-By The New Indian Express
NEW DELHI: Connected by the noble thread of Buddhism, India and Nepal are deepening cooperation in many spheres, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his first visit to the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, on Monday. Besides India and Nepal, Tibetans too were upbeat about PM Modi’s visit to Nepal.
“China uses Buddhism for political reasons and we are glad that India and Nepal are strengthening ties again. Nepal needs to be careful of China and Nepalese leaders need to be mindful of Chinese political manoeuvres,” said Tenzin Lekshay, spokesperson of the Central Tibetan Administration.
China had for long wanted to develop Lumbini and had offered to spend $3 billion for turning it into a World Peace City through the Asia Pacific Exchange and Cooperation Foundation (APECF).
“A Chinese backed foundation and the Nepal government plan to transform Lord Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini into a magnet for Buddhists, the same way as Mecca is to Muslims and the Vatican for Catholics,” according to the Lumbini Recovery Plan in the APECF website. The airport at Lumbini that was inaugurated on Monday was built with China’s investment and there is a monastery too that has come up with their support.
China’s active interest in Nepal through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is making everyone wary of their intentions now.
“I have always told my friends in Nepal that you are second in line after Tibet to be occupied by China. Make no mistake. From what it seems right now, Nepal seems to have understood China’s objective and has pushed back in India’s favour with whom they have had historical and cultural ties,” Lekshay said. Click here to read more.