Beyond handshakes: Nepal needs agenda-led diplomacy
Summary
Nepal's recent diplomatic visits to India and China highlight the need for agenda-led diplomacy focused on structured follow-up and clear national interests rather than ceremonial protocols.
Key Points
- Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal visited India and China aiming to establish a defined foreign-policy style for the new government.
- The visits emphasized the importance of moving beyond ceremonial protocol to structured agendas with measurable follow-up actions.
- Relations with both India and China are critical for Nepal, requiring clear priorities and institutional mechanisms for engagement.
- Current public records lack detailed follow-up plans, highlighting a need for defined responsibility, timelines, and action matrices after diplomatic visits.
