PM Shah floated the idea of Nepal-India-China cooperation on climate. Why is the government slow to reach out to the neighbours?
Summary
Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposal for a Nepal-India-China Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism has made little diplomatic progress, with Nepal still preparing a concept note and no formal approach yet to either neighbour. Officials say the idea has drawn cautious interest, but geopolitical sensitivities and the lack of a detailed framework are slowing engagement.
Key Points
- Nepal has not yet formally approached India or China with a detailed proposal for the Himalayan Climate Resilience Mechanism (HCRM).
- The Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forest and Environment are still preparing a concept note and consulting agencies.
- The proposal, announced by Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the UN General Assembly, would focus on sharing satellite data, early-warning systems and disaster-response coordination.
- Officials say the idea has potential, but geopolitical sensitivities involving Tibet and unresolved India-China tensions may complicate progress.
