Balen’s diplomatic awakening: What Nepal’s reluctant PM stands to gain and lose
Summary
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has begun engaging foreign ambassadors after months of avoiding one-on-one diplomacy, meeting the Indian and Chinese envoys in Kathmandu this week. The shift comes amid domestic criticism, questions over Nepal’s external relations, and his decision to skip the upcoming UN General Assembly session in New York.
Key Points
- Balendra Shah met the Indian and Chinese ambassadors separately this week, marking his first individual meetings with foreign envoys since taking office.
- His earlier refusal to hold one-on-one diplomatic talks had drawn criticism for slowing routine foreign policy work and weakening Nepal’s engagement with key partners.
- Shah will not attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal set to lead Nepal’s delegation instead.
- The article says Nepal risks losing leverage with India and China if high-level political visits continue to be delayed.
