The article reflects the growing acceptance of our economic might, if nothing else.
Also, we have so well molded diversity into Indian psyche that the world is attracted towards us. Obviously, we do not stand to gain much if we let them join us except having Mt. Everest in India. But Nepal stands to gain a lot by joining us. Although, they are free to travel or work in India even now but opening up the borders completely would bring in far more economic prosperity to the entire nation. Not to forget the fact it would open up the whole of Himalayans for tourism as a single unit from which both India and Nepal stands to gain(and tourism is an upcoming sector).
But the effort should come from there side. Plebiscite is the way to go.......