Opinion | Nepal’s Foreign Policy: principles, practice and priorities
Summary
Nepal's foreign policy emphasizes adherence to the UN Charter, balancing relationships with neighbors India and China, and improving diplomatic professionalism and proactive strategies to safeguard national interests.
Key Points
- Nepal's foreign policy is anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter and emphasizes maintaining balanced relations with India, China, and other partners.
- The country faces challenges in multilateral diplomacy due to inadequate training and coordination of diplomats at the UN.
- Nepal must adopt proactive diplomacy with strategic planning and improve selection and training of ambassadors to navigate complex geopolitical tensions involving India and China.
- The concept of Nepal as a buffer state is controversial, with India viewing Nepal as a strategic backyard rather than a neutral buffer, influencing Nepal’s foreign policy approach.
