In his first sitting with a foreign official, Prime Minister Shah to meet ADB president

Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who has maintained a strict protocol of avoiding individual meetings with foreign officials, is set to conduct his first such engagement with Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda on Tuesday. Kanda's visit marks a significant moment, as he will be the first foreign official to meet the prime minister in a one-on-one setting.

Foreign policy observers interpret Shah's protocol as a deliberate effort to reset Nepal's diplomatic stance. They suggest it signals the new government's intent to consolidate foreign policy authority, reduce mixed messaging, and transition from personality-driven interactions to a more structured, state-led approach. During his visit, Kanda will also tour several ADB-funded projects in Nepal.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal stated that the prime minister is available for meetings with foreign leaders and officials when necessary, emphasizing the government's focus on good governance and economic progress. He noted that the prime minister has not imposed a moratorium on meetings or foreign travel, and a decision on his first international visit is pending.

Previously, Prime Minister Shah declined meetings with US officials, including Assistant Secretary Paul Kapur and a special envoy. His decision to postpone a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also led to the postponement of Misri's planned visit to Nepal. Breaking tradition, Shah met with Kathmandu-based diplomats jointly on April 8 and later met with 23 EU ambassadors and deputy heads of mission collectively on May 26.

The visit coincides with the signing of a $50 million policy-based loan agreement between the government and the ADB. This loan aims to modernize Nepal's customs administration through digitalization and risk-based inspections, facilitate trade, and support job creation by strengthening the logistics sector and regulatory frameworks.

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The government's utmost priority is to ensure good governance and economic progress. That is why the prime minister has been busy. But he has not imposed any moratorium on meetings or foreign visits. At least I have not heard that from the prime minister. It is also yet to be decided where he will make his first foreign visit.