Few inter-country relationships are as socially and culturally close as the India-Nepal one. But also, few such ties have been as blow-hot-blow-cold as this one. The situation is akin, if one may say, to that of a married couple who, having pledged themselves to a lifelong relationship, still quibble and quarrel, even turning hostile on occasions—but always returning to a condition of calm and friendship. The bonds that keep the India-Nepal ties together, have in the long run proved strong enough to weather the storms.