Balanced Foreign Policy

Located between the two big neighbours, Nepal has been following independent and non-aligned foreign policy, taking sensitive geostrategic location into account. It is based on the Charter of the United Nations, principles of Panchasheel, international laws and the norms of world peace. Safeguarding national sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and the country’s core interest constitute the fundamentals of the foreign policy that the Himalayan nation has embraced since her unification in 1769. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka has reiterated the country’s independent foreign policy and expressed commitment not to enter any military pact with any nation. Dr. Khadka’s statement came while responding to the queries of lawmakers of federal parliament regarding Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s upcoming visit to the USA and the US State Partnership Programme (SPP).

Minister Khadka said that his office was moving ahead by thoroughly analysing the multiple dimensions of Nepal’s foreign policy, especially the basic principle of advancing the nation’s development without compromising on its sovereignty, independence and dignity, according to the news report of this daily published on Wednesday. Khadka said that SPP was a mechanism to extend humanitarian aid during natural disasters and foster cultural exchange. There has been a public concern over the SPP that hit the media headlines in Nepal after signing the MCC Nepal Compact but the Minister insists that it is neither a part of Indo-Pacific Strategy nor a treaty. Khadka noted that SPP was a temporary concept that is over once the given mission completes. 

The Kathmandu-based US embassy has stated that a document, published by some online media, which claims to be a military deal between the United States and Nepal is fake. The US does not ask any nation to participate in SPP but it addresses a demand if a country requests for that. Meanwhile, the government is also doing homework on PM Deuba’s upcoming visit to the US. The visit will be made in a transparent and accountable manner and Nepal will not think of forging a military pact with any nation, according to Minister Khadka. PM Deuba’s visit is expected to further boost Nepal-US relations. Last April, the two nations marked their 75th years of diplomatic ties. The bilateral relations between the two nations have increased at the government-to-government and people-to-people levels.

Nepal government has been presenting itself in the international platforms by maintaining the nation’s dignity and independence, resulting in the enhanced status of nation on the international stage. During his visit to India, PM Deuba had raised the issue of Limpiyadhura and other encroached territories. The government is committed to resolving this matter through diplomatic initiatives. The government has not tilted to the north or the south but pursued a balanced policy to benefit the nation. Some time back, Nepal had extended humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan that is facing multiple crises after the takeover of the Taliban. This has demonstrated Nepal’s capacity to help the nations in trouble as well as increased her prestige in the world. Nepal is aware of her sensitive geography and executed prudent and practical foreign policy aimed at serving the broader national interest and promoting peace, stability, development and harmony among the nations.