Lessons in diplomacy: Or how not to make a hash of your neighbourhood
Summary
The article analyzes the diplomatic missteps in South Asia, particularly highlighting the Maldives' foreign policy U-turn from China back to India as a cautionary tale for Nepal. It stresses the need for Nepal to adopt mature diplomacy with India.
Key Points
- South Asian diplomacy involves balancing size with subtlety, with India playing a dominant regional role.
- Maldives initially antagonized India but later reversed course due to debt and sovereignty concerns linked to China.
- Nepal similarly uses anti-India rhetoric but relies heavily on India post-election, with fleeting overtures to China.
- The article advises Nepal to adopt more realistic, consistent diplomacy with India, learning from Maldives' experience.
