US blames China, says will review ties with Nepal if grant not ratified

The US had urged Nepal to ratify $500mn assistance, a subject of a long-drawn political battle in Kathmandu. The US thinks China has 'fomented/ encouraged/ funded/ facilitated' disinformation campaign against the grant. If Nepal fails to meet the February 28 deadline for ratification, the US has said it will review ties. In Nepal, critics see the pact as part of USA's Indo-Pacific strategy, a narrative seen to be fuelled by China. Signed five years ago, the MCC-Nepal pact focuses on supporting electricity & road projects. The US has repeatedly clarified the project has no military component and predates the indo-pacific strategy. Watch the full video for more.