New Delhi Faces Tough Choice Between Nepal and Bangaldesh

New Delhi, perhaps is going to face a delicate situation by the end of October. It is the election of the next director of the WHO South East Asian Region. India's close neighbours Nepal and Bangladesh have nominated their candidate for the next Director. From Bangladesh, the daughter of Bangladesh PM Saima Wazeed and from Nepal Shambhu Prasad Acharya. The election is expected to take place in New Delhi in closed-door session of SEARO from 30th-2nd November. The election results will be declared on the basis of the majority of votes from 11 members- Bangladesh, Bhutan, North Korea, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Timor Leste. The present Director is Poonam Khetrapal from India, who has held the position of Director since 2014. The question of whom to back in the election is going to be a tough choice for New Delhi as both neighbours are important, considering the geopolitics in and around the South Asian region. However, considering Bangladesh's upcoming elections and Sheikh Hasina's strong relationship with India, top sources suggest that Sheikh Hasina's Daughter might get New Delhi's support. Sources add that discussion on this matter has already taken place during the recent visit of Bangladesh PM on the sidelines of G20. However, considering China's diplomatic charm offensive via Khatmandu threatening India's traditional sphere of Influence, Nepal also falls into a crucial position in New Delhi's strategic calculations as India's position in this election would slightly impact relations at the political level. Whatever may be the case, the picture will get clear in a few weeks, top sources say.