Nepal’s Foreign Policy: principles, practice and priorities

The Kathmandu Post outlines Nepal's foreign policy, emphasizing its foundational commitment to the UN Charter and the importance of maintaining diverse international relationships. While traditional friendships and regional cooperation remain vital, the current geopolitical landscape necessitates a heightened focus on relations with immediate neighbors, India and China, due to their escalating economic and military power.

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An abiding faith in the purposes and principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter remains a cornerstone of Nepal’s foreign policy.

However, the article points out a significant gap in Nepal's capacity for effective multilateral diplomacy. Unlike regional peers like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, Nepal lacks a robust system for identifying and training diplomats skilled in multilateral negotiations. This deficiency, coupled with weak coordination between the UN Mission and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hampers Nepal's ability to advance its priorities on the global stage. The need for qualitative improvements in diplomatic training and support is pressing.

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Renewing, reinforcing and reorienting relations with our immediate neighbours—India and China—has become the foremost preoccupation.

Navigating bilateral relations, particularly with India and China, presents a delicate balancing act. While Nepal shares deep cultural ties and an open border with India, potential confrontations over security and boundary issues require careful diplomatic handling. With China, the relationship is growing stronger, but Nepal must be vigilant about the potential for deepening economic and connectivity ties to be followed by security and strategic concerns. As both India and China seek to expand their influence, Nepal must sharpen its diplomatic prowess to manage these complex dynamics and safeguard its interests, a challenge that resonates deeply within the nation.

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Nepal has too few such professionals.