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by In the realm of international relations, the 21st-century digital age is reshaping age-old traditional practices in diplomacy. Social media and technology are playing an increasingly important role in tying these two countries together: India and Nepal. How did social networks shape public perception of cross-border issues between India and Nepal? Which specific technological platforms have been central to facilitating both communication and cooperation in the two countries? This critical piece looks at how digital diplomacy has improved diplomatic ties in the India-Nepal relationship, bridged cultural gaps, and solved problems or issues of mutual concern.
Report by Vani Chadha Summer Research Intern 2024
Graphic By Asmita Maurya, Summer M&D Intern
How do Social Media platforms impact the ivory towers of foreign policy? Parallels Between India and Nepal
Both domestically and in international politics, the influence of social media can be located vividly in the contexts of India and Nepal. Parallels between the two nations can be drawn based on parameters such as the role of social media in political mobilization, broadcast of (mis)information through digital platforms, shaping public opinion in the online arena, shift in the nature of diplomatic communication, and transnational activism. A very compatible example to explain these characteristics pertaining to the parallel between India and Nepal is the exercise of choosing our representative: Elections.
Elections in India and Nepal resonate as the heartbeat of democracy, shaping their domestic backdrop, which transcends across borders. And at an international level, the electoral outcomes in the neighbouring nations influence bilateral relations, trade agreements, and regional stability. With the election of leaders, their vision chisels out the path for not only future diplomacy but domestic progress too, making each vote a stepping stone for global relations and internal renovation.
Social media has become an integral part of political communications during election campaigns in India and Nepal, with platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube providing new ways to stimulate citizen engagement in political life. These platforms allow politicians and parties to reach citizens in a more targeted manner, without the intermediate role of mass media. Voters no longer make decisions solely based on information available through traditional media but seek out additional knowledge and activism through their digital screens.
However, the increased internet access has contributed increasingly to the spread of misinformation and polarisation of society as well.
India
India being the world's largest democracy witnesses elections every 5 years with several firsts, including millions of youth voting, the second-largest campaign spends of political parties and candidates after the United States, and social media being actively involved in the elections process.
With over 0.5 billion social networking platform users, platforms like Twitter (now X) have emerged as an influential tool in developing the practice of digital diplomacy. PMO uses it extensively to engage with citizens and the international community, thereby placing New Delhi at a better position to put forward the interests and policies of India.
From declaring foreign policy decisions to reshaping India's image around the world, the Ministry of External Affairs has been doing it in a digital way. For instance, MEA's Madad Portal, which facilitates rapid aid to Indians living abroad, received limelight through social communication campaigns during India’s G20 Presidency.
Nepal
Similarly, Nepal has recognized the role of digitization in development and diplomacy. The government has, under its 'Digital Nepal' initiative, emphasized a great deal on the use of ICT for conducting diplomacy. However, the space for networked diplomacy remains very small in Nepal, with almost all efforts focused on communication per se rather than the broader goals of policy.
In Nepal, the Election Commission has been warning against the abuse of social media in elections, urging people to refrain from spreading disinformation, hate speech, and smear campaigns targeting parties and candidates. Candidates in Nepal post promotional materials, videos, slogans, songs, manifestos, and messages on these social communication forums, helping candidates circulate their ideas and receive feedback from the public, especially target groups.
The Impact of Social Media on Public Perception with Cases of Viral Campaigns:
Social media sites often create hurdles in diplomatic efforts, as exemplified by the spread of misinformation and the reinforcing of anti-India sentiment during the 2015 blockade at the India-Nepal border, and in 2019 with regard to the border dispute over the Kalapani region, there was considerable social media-driven pressure on the Nepalese government, putting a strain on India-Nepal relations.
The 2015 earthquake in Nepal and subsequent coverage by the Indian media brought to light the power of social media in influencing international relations. The help extended by India in the form of Operation Maitri which was a relief and rescue operation that involved providing aid, medical help, and evacuation support was initially appreciated. However, unethical coverage by some Indian media houses involved insensitive and intrusive reporting of the 2015 Nepal earthquake which received backlash from citizens of Nepal and netizens on social networking platforms which took the form of hashtags like #GoBackIndianMedia, thereby tarnishing the reputation of New Delhi.
The situation further deteriorated when the new Nepalese constitution was brought out in 2015. The constitution aimed to establish Nepal as a federal democratic republic, but encountered criticism of not acknowledging the rights of diverse ethnic groups, which led to mass protests and disturbances. India's rejection of the constitution deepened tensions that reached a peak with a blockade at the India-Nepal border and added on to anti-India sentiment.
In 2020, the India-Nepal relation yet again came into media limelight. It was the territorial dispute between India and Nepal over the Dharchula-Lipulekh route that soured the bilateral relations, with media from both sides fuelling the tensions through jingoistic reporting. Nepali media questioned the ethical standards followed by Indian news channels; which was followed by diplomatic protests, and resulted in censorship of Indian channels in Nepal.
One can feel the power that social media can unleash in altering public opinion and, at times, even foreign policy through the power of viral campaigns. In the case of the Dharchula-Lipulekh dispute which is a territorial disagreement between the two nations over the Lipulekh Pass region and is claimed by both the countries as their sovereign territory, the nationalistic sentiment flooded the online platforms of both countries, further energising the public perception and the diplomatic responses.
How have E-Governance and Technology improved Bilateral Ties?
Nepal and India have politically oscillated between periods of tensions and cooperation for the past many years, but now the emphasis is on improving connectivity to revive bilateral ties. Notably, both nations have launched initiatives aimed at strengthening digital financial connectivity. The recent example includes the Aadhar UPI which is a digital payment system that allows users to link their Aadhar card to their bank account and make seamless transactions. Introduction of such a cross-border e-payment mechanism, aims at easing cross-border trade, tourism, and remittance flows. This also goes alongside projects on the International Comparison Program (ICP) , cross-border railways, and power transmission lines. The success of India in the Directorate of Public Interface (DPI) reflects the potential for further cooperation on digital infrastructure between the two nations. Cross-border digital infrastructures may help in trade, reduce problems in customs clearances, and increase customer reach for business concerns.
Digital platforms have increased tourism and people-to-people contact between the two nations besides cultural exchanges. Although there were in the past political contentions, like disputes over territories and disruptions in vaccine supply, both nations have tried to stabilise relations with the help of economic integration and signing of various agreements. Agreements such as Line of Credit have made India extend several aid to Nepal over the years for road construction, hydropower projects and infrastructure developments. These efforts have and will establish better people-to-people connectivity and economic ties, thus rectifying the aberrations of history.
The move will largely help tourism and economic revival in both countries after COVID-19. Now that movement between the two nations will be free, a digital payment facility is aimed at easing financial transactions for tourists and business visitors. Easy and cost-effective transactions through the integration of digital payment interfaces will be of benefit specifically to small traders and start-ups, giving them access to the huge and continuously growing Indian market. Bringing about a host of benefits, deepening digital connectivity has to be adopted in a regulated manner, with much-needed measures to address the risks of security protection and privacy related to cross-border flow of data. Bringing in a balance between open access and security would hold the key to sustaining such technological advancement and maintaining trust between these two nations.
Empowering the next generation of leaders with Technology
The role of technology in leadership development is changing everything across India and Nepal. Both countries have very young, dynamic populations, and presently much focus is being laid on digital tools as an initiative to equip the next generation. Digital literacy programs, online education platforms, and youth innovation hubs nurture skills relevant for contemporary leadership.
The Digital India movement seeks to close the gap in access to technology in both rural and urban areas. It enhances digital literacy and provides a chance for young leaders to participate in e-governance and digital entrepreneurship.
The Digital Nepal Framework under Nepal addresses rather clearly the potential of technology in development, especially providing digital skills for youths with an eye on leadership in various sectors.
The pandemic was an accelerator for science, digitalization, and electronic services in general. Generation Z is highly motivated to explore more about artificial intelligence and its components. AI technology indeed enables many opportunities, especially those related to internal political goals, for example, e-democracy. However, caring for ethical considerations is crucial. Private use of AI at the state level offers wide possibilities in areas like targeted advertising for political campaigns, collection of feedback from the population, and automation of service delivery.
References
(24. Social Media as a Catalyst in India-Nepal Relations Pg 161-169)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349585237_Social_Media_as_a_Catalyst_in_India-Nepal_Relations
Nepal Institute for international cooperation and engagement (NIICE)
Role of Indian media in India and Nepal Relations
Commentary by Dr. Gazala Fareedi
https://niice.org.np/archives/5746
Indian Council of World Affairs
Social media and India's Digital Diplomacy: Lessons from recent international events
Anvity Mohilay
https://www.icwa.in/show_content.php?lang=1&level=3&ls_id=10333&lid=6588
Observer Research Foundation
Rejuvenating Nepal-India bilateral relations through digital connectivity
https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/rejuvenating-nepal-india-bilateral-relations-through-digital-connectivity
Digital Diplomacy and its prospect for Nepal
Madhavji Shreshta
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Soodan Sarvjeet
https://www.ena.fr/content/download/99704/1601399/version/1/file/MemoireSarvjeet%20SOODAN.pdf
Use and Rise of Social media as Election Campaign medium in India
Narasimhamurthy N
Dept. of Electronic Media, PK Block,
Bangalore University, Bangalore,India
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/72802902.pdf
The use of Social Media during elections
Kanti Neupane
The Rising Nepal
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