'Old baggage refers to freeing diplomacy from internal divide'
Summary
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal’s foreign policy must be guided by sovereignty, territorial integrity and long-term national interests. He clarified that his remark about having no “old baggage” in India referred to ending internal political polarization and the weaponization of diplomacy, not to Nepal’s history or national legacy.
Key Points
- Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal’s foreign policy will remain centered on sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and long-term interests.
- He clarified that his “old baggage” remark in India referred to removing internal political polarization and political misuse of diplomacy.
- Khanal said the remark was not meant to disparage Nepal’s history, national legacy, or constitutional decisions such as the map including Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura.
- He said Nepal wants relations with neighboring and friendly countries to be based on equality, respect, trust and economic partnership.
