Foreign minister at odds with ministry officials downsizing Nepal’s diplomatic outreach

The Balendra Shah government's push to streamline Nepal's bloated bureaucracy is a welcome move, aiming for more efficient service delivery and fiscal prudence. The reduction in ministries and the ongoing review of civil service positions signal a serious intent to curb public expenditure. However, the efforts to right-size the nation's diplomatic outreach are encountering significant internal friction.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs finds itself at a crossroads, with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal reportedly at odds with his own officials over the proposed downsizing of embassies and consulates. This deadlock is particularly problematic given the financial pressures the government faces, with the Finance Minister urging drastic cuts to save millions.

The controversy is rooted in decisions made by the previous KP Sharma Oli administration, which significantly expanded Nepal's diplomatic footprint by creating numerous new posts and missions. Now, the current government faces the difficult task of unwinding these expansions. While proposals exist to close missions in Brazil and some consulates in China, and potentially relocate others, the internal discord suggests a lack of consensus on how best to balance national representation abroad with fiscal responsibility. This internal debate is crucial for Nepal's image and its ability to manage foreign relations effectively and economically.