PM's US Visit Puts Nepal In Spotlight

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has concluded his official visit to the United States to attend the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. During his stay in the US, Prime Minister Oli addressed the General Assembly and spoke at several other forums. On the sideline, he also met a number of foreign dignitaries, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This was the first foreign trip of Prime Minister Oli after assuming office in mid-July following the formation of the coalition between the CPN - UML and Nepali Congress.

In New York, PM Oli remained highly active participating in important scheduled events. He made a notable impact by speaking at the Parliamentary Forum on Financing the Future. In his speech, Oli highlighted the critical role of the Himalayan ecosystem and disproportionate impact of climate change on the least developed countries. Nepal's PM emphasised the critical role of the Himalayan ecology in regulating the global temperature and warned that the degradation of the Himalaya's natural environment would have far-reaching consequences, including severe impact on the marine ecology of the Indian Ocean. 

Climate fund

PM Oli also strongly argued that Nepal was contributing to decarburization by preserving its forests and promoting green energy through investing in hydropower and solar energy. Oli stressed on the need for rich industrial countries, which are primary contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, to pay for the climate impact mitigation efforts of the least developed countries like Nepal. Oli stressed that such efforts would help smoothen these countries' transition to green energy and gain access to climate fund dedicated to vulnerable nations.

The most important highlight of Oli's US visit was the much anticipated and high profile meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi which came as an opportunity for both Nepal and India to normalise relations which had reached the lowest point after the  map episodes. The dispute was triggered by India's publication of a new map in November 2019 showing Kalapani and Lipulek within its boundary, followed by Nepal's reciprocal action of publishing its own version of the map in May 2020 including these disputed areas within its own territory. Though the 30 minute-long one-on-one meeting between the two prime ministers does not appear to have touched upon any of the contentious issues, it can be considered a positive icebreaker for future engagements. 

Another high profile meeting of PM Oli was with UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres where he discussed range of issues regarding climate change and its adverse impact on the least developed countries like Nepal. During the meeting with the Secretary General, Oli reportedly drew attention to the impact of melting glacial lakes on the Himalayas and Nepal's initiatives to climate change adaptation. In addition to this, Oli also intimated Guterres about the progress made on the issue of transitional justice. 

In New York, PM Oli also won kudos for playing effective role as the chair of the Global Coordination Bureau for LDCs where he highlighted Nepal's goals and challenges after graduating from LDCs category by 2026. Oli also expressed Nepal's unfailing commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while appealing international development partners to support Nepal's endeavours. 

Despite a tight schedule, Oli also managed to attend other sideline meetings with many other heads of government and high level dignitaries.  PM Oli met Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Crown Prince of Kuwait, Mohammad Yunus, Chief Adviser of Bangladesh, Charles Michel, President of European Council and Mohammad bin Abdulrahaman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister of Qatar. Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of China, Shewaj Sharif, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Laos and  Lotay Tshering, Prime Minister of Bhutan. Last but not least, Prime Minister Oli also attended a reception organised by US President Joe Biden in honour of the visiting dignitaries.  PM Oli also met Samantha Power, Administrator of the United States Agency for Development (USAID) and a member of National Security Council (NSC) under the Biden Administration. 

Outside his official activities, Prime Minister Oli also engaged himself with the Nepali diaspora. He highly extolled the contribution of Nepali diaspora in supporting Nepal's economy by sending remittances, supporting families in the home country and enhancing Nepal's image abroad. Oli called upon the diaspora community to invest in sectors like infrastructure building, export business, tourism, hydropower and other productive areas. He also requested the Nepali diaspora to help transfer expertise, technology and knowledge gained in the host country.

PM Oli's interactions with Nepali diaspora was highly productive except a few cases of misdemeanor on the part of some Nepalis who reportedly attempted to disseminate false and biased information aimed at discrediting the Prime Minister of Nepal and preventing him from meeting with the diaspora community. This act was not only shameful but also an unpatriotic attempt to tarnish Nepal's image and undermine the dignity of the Nepalis. Additionally, the office of the Consul General in New York seems to have been misled by this information leading to issuance of a notice postponing Prime Minister's scheduled programme. Such disinformation surrounding the official visit of the Prime Minister represents a serious oversight which calls for accountability from those involved. 

Renewed collaboration

In conclusion, the visit of Prime Minister Oli was successful and productive. Prime Minister Oli's meeting with his Indian counterpart Modi has revitalised the ties that remained frozen since 2020, signaling commitment to renewed collaboration. Prime Minister Oli effectively drew global attention to urgent issues surrounding the deteriorating mountain ecology of the Himalayas and its impact in the global climate health. At various eminent forums, he articulated how Nepal is navigating through challenges as it transitions from the least developed country status. 

Furthermore, his engagements with the leaders of oil-rich Qatar and Kuwait have opened promising avenues for attracting investment for Nepal's development and accessing markets for valuable Nepali farm products. In a nutshell, this visit has successfully positioned Nepal on international spotlight showcasing its vision of a world based on sustainable development, peace and cooperation.

(Dr. Bharadwaj is former ambassador and former chairperson of Gorkhapatra Corporation.bharadwajnarad@gmail.com)