Major political parties in their election manifestos have mentioned their respective visions on the foreign policy they want to implement if they get the mandate to form a new government after the Nov 20 elections. In essence, there are no fundamental differences in their foreign policy. It’s only that some parties are more vocal on some issues, where others are implicit. There is a similar view among parties that Nepal should not become a part of any military alliances and should stick to the non-alignment policy. They also wish to adopt a balanced relationship with India and China. In its election manifesto, the NC has pledged to adopt an independent and balanced foreign policy in line with the UN charter, the country’s long-standing non-alignment policy, and Panchasheel. Similarly, the party has opposed the policy of joining any military alliances and blocs.

The document also talks about bolstering regional organizations such as the South Asian Association for Regional Organization (SAARC) and The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). And, in a veiled reference to China’s Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI), the party’s manifesto states that priority will be given to economic diplomacy with a preference for grants rather than commercial loans. 

On the BRI, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, time and again, has given a message to China that it wants grants to construct infrastructure projects and does not favor commercial loans. The party further states that it would take a decisive step to resolve the existing border disputes with India and China, but there is no specific mention of the map issued by Nepal, which led to a falling out between Nepal and India.  The ruling party also mentions that Nepali soil will not be allowed to use against any neighboring countries. However, it remains silent about the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) and Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). The grand old party also talks about the diversification of Nepal’s trade and transit policy. The main opposition CPN-UML’s election manifesto, meanwhile, states that the party would conduct an independent and balanced relationship with the international community with priority given to neighboring countries. It says that it would adopt a policy of amity with all, enmity with none, and a relationship based on sovereign equality. Our foreign policy will be based on the UN charter, the principle of Pachasheel, mutual benefits and respect, international commitment/responsibility, and justice, the document says, national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence will be strengthened.    On the issue of borders, the UML says in its manifesto that Nepali territories in Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, as well as other international borders will be protected.   And in a reference to the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty signed with India, the party says all treaties will be reviewed and amended to protect Nepal’s welfare and new treaties will be signed based on necessity. CPN (Maoist Center) has explained in detail the foreign policy it wants to implement if the government is formed under its leadership. Considering the current geopolitical situation, friendly and proximate relationships will be maintained with both neighbors, the party’s document says. It goes on to state that Nepal will be freed from all sorts of foreign military activities and will be declared a zone of peace.  Like the NC and the UML, the Maoists have also pledged that Nepal will not become a part of any bilateral and multilateral military alliances.  And on the issue of border dispute, the party has said that open borders with India shall be controlled and regulated. The party has clearly stated that the Peace and Friendship Treaty of 1950, the Tripartite Agreement of 1947, and other treaties related to trade and treaties with India should be reviewed and if necessary canceled. It has also pledged to address the problem of Gorkha soldiers. The pro-monarchy party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, has also proposed reinstating the zone of peace proposal, which was introduced by King Birendra in the 1970s. The party also talks about adopting a balanced foreign policy based on non-alignment and Panchasheel. With the neighboring countries, the party has vowed equidistance policy. It has also vowed to scrap all unequal treaties signed with other countries. CPN (Unified Socialist), a member in the five-party coalition, in its election manifesto, says that it wants to establish a cordial relationship with neighboring countries based on international law, the UN Charter, Panchasheel, and policy of non-interference. But unlike other parties, the Unified Socialist’s election manifesto does not talk about border disputes and unequal treaties.