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Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has stressed the need for the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) to uphold the spirit of regional unity and collective cooperation.

Addressing the 20th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting held today as part of the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, she called for unity and collective cooperation to strengthen BIMSTEC as a platform that represents the shared aspirations of the citizens of the Bay of Bengal region.

"BIMSTEC symbolizes a dazzling rainbow representing two dynamic regions of South Asia and Southeast Asia- each of its seven colors illuminating rich civilizations, cultures, histories, and ecological diversity. It should make efforts to unlock the potential for economic prosperity of the citizens of this region,” the Minister said.

Minister Rana reiterated Nepal's commitment to regionalism and multilateralism in a peaceful, equitable, and inclusive manner under the leadership of the United Nations. "We are actively engaged in all regional and global forums to strengthen peace, security, and sustainable development. We are also proud to be the largest peacekeeping troop contributor to the United Nations."

She also reaffirmed Nepal's commitment to the charter, principles and objectives of BIMSTEC since becoming a member in 2004. Highlighting challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, environmental degradation and the devastating effects of pollution, she urged immediate efforts for infrastructure enhancement, disaster early warning systems implementation and involvement of local communities in environmental protection.

She welcomed India’s proposal to initiate establishing BIMSTEC Center of Excellence in Disaster Management, expressing confidence that it would complement regional efforts in controlling and combating natural disasters while leveraging AI to address all these challenges.

Minister Rana further highlighted BIMSTEC's leading role in promoting regional peace, unity and environmental sustainability in the Bay of Bengal region and beyond. Calling for transformation into a strong partnership platform and a strong regional organization, she underscored the need for cooperation, regional unity and political will to align BIMSTEC with current global trends. 

Similarly, she suggested many key initiatives, like expediting the establishment of BIMSTEC Free Trade Area, implementing EPG Report and projects identified in BIMSTEC Master Plan for Transport Connectivity, advancing BIMSTEC Grid Interconnection, and fully operationalizing regional centers and entities.  

Additionally, she called for focusing on leveraging synergies and complementarities among Member States through collaborative strategies for resource utilization, workforce mobilization, policy alignment, trade and transit facilitation, energy cooperation, investment promotion, technology transfer, regional infrastructure development and integrated Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for e-governance services.

She also suggested cooperation between educational institutions in the region, public awareness and treatment of maternal and child, and mental health issues, and capacity building to combat diseases caused by climate-related complications.

Prioritizing gender equality and women's empowerment, she urged member states to share successful strategies for mainstreaming women in governance, development and conflict management to address historical injustice and deliver on promises of a better world. Dr Rana called for collaboration among development partners, and regional and international organizations to promote culture and tourism, alleviate poverty, and seek solutions to climate-related complications through people-to-people ties.

The meeting was attended by foreign ministers of BIMSTEC member states.

In a democracy, freedom of speech, a fundamental right, allows individuals to scrutinize and comment on government actions. However, the act of governing is far more complex than merely facing criticism. Governance, especially in challenging times, requires far more than addressing public grievances; it requires leadership, skill and unwavering commitment.

The current government of Nepal, led by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, is a coalition of the two largest parties in the Parliament with a two-third majority. This government has faced both support and significant backlash, from within the country and beyond. All this is very natural as leaders are under the microscope in a democracy.

While the government as a whole is often scrutinized, one figure stands out—Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba. Her diplomatic skills, leadership and ability to handle sensitive negotiations have earned her respect both at home and abroad.

She has demonstrated a deep understanding of international relations. Her speeches in national and international forums reveal a leader, who not only speaks knowledgeably but also acts with clarity and confidence. From engaging with neighboring countries to participating in multilateral discussions, she has consistently represented Nepal with dignity and insight. Her ability to build and sustain relationships with global counterparts has positioned Nepal in a more favorable light internationally.

One of her most commendable actions came when she intervened in the case of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen in Hamas’ captivity. Deuba’s constant engagement with her counterparts in Israel, Qatar and Egypt played a key role in making the negotiators keep in mind the only Nepali, who is held hostage. Her swift response and diplomatic outreach not only demonstrated her commitment to protecting Nepali citizens abroad but also highlighted her ability to act decisively in crisis situations.

Beyond this, Deuba has made significant strides in strengthening Nepal’s relations with its neighbors and the international community. Her official visit to China was an important step in ensuring Nepal’s active participation in global economic and infrastructural projects. Her ongoing efforts to maintain cordial relations with India have also not gone unnoticed. 

Her recent trip to Bangkok, though officially for personal medical reasons, may have included meetings with Indian officials to facilitate Prime Minister Oli’s visit to India as soon as possible. If so, it would be yet another example of her deft handling of foreign relations and her proactive approach to improving ties with Nepal’s southern neighbor.

Her leadership extends beyond diplomacy as she has been an advocate for the rights of Nepali expatriates, ensuring their concerns are heard in the government’s policy decisions. Her efforts in highlighting the Nepali migrant workers’ issues at international fora have earned her praise from labor organizations and advocacy groups alike. Furthermore, her work in advancing gender equality and empowering women has made her a role model for women aspiring to enter politics and diplomacy.

Even as the government continues to face its share of criticism, Deuba has managed to navigate the complexities of foreign policy deftly, making significant strides for Nepal on the global stage. 

In times of political uncertainty, leaders like Deuba remind us that effective governance is not only about managing domestic affairs but also about strengthening a nation’s position in the global community. She has earned the respect and admiration of many, both at home and abroad. Her tenure as Foreign Minister is a testament to her capacity to lead with dignity, skill and a sense of responsibility. Her work deserves recognition, not just for the immediate successes but for the long-term impact she is poised to have on Nepal’s foreign relations.

The author, a member of the Supreme Court Bar, has been practicing corporate law for around three decades. Views are personal 

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has congratulated Marco Rubio on his appointment as the 72nd US Secretary of State. 

The Foreign Minister today took to social site X to congratulate Rubio on his appointment as the US Secretary of State.

"We look forward to working together to further strengthen the ties between Nepal and the United States," Foreign Minister Rana posted on X.  

The 53-year-old Rubio has represented Florida in the US Senate since 2011.

According to international news sources, President Donald Trump's proposal to appoint him on the post was unanimously confirmed in a 99-to-0 vote.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued its diplomatic efforts for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali citizen believed to be held captive by Hamas.

These efforts follow reports that Hamas is releasing 34 captives, including women, children and the elderly.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has been requesting countries, which are reported to be in contact with Hamas and are mediating for a ceasefire, to intensify their initiatives for Joshi's release.

Today, Minister Rana had a telephonic conversation with Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, requesting him to take special initiatives for Joshi's freedom.

She acknowledged Qatar as a longstanding friend of Nepal.

During the conversation, Dr Khulaifi, the key mediator for the peace talks with Hamas on behalf of the Qatari government, said progress was being made in bringing Hamas to a ceasefire with Israel.

He highlighted the Qatari government's ongoing initiatives for the release of those kidnapped by Hamas.

He further said they have also prioritised advocating for the release of the Nepali youth Joshi, adding that Joshi would be included in the first phase of the release of the captives, which focus on women, children and the elderly.

If not, he assured that Joshi would be prioritised in the subsequent phases of negotiations.

Last week, Dr Rana met with ambassadors of Israel, Egypt, Qatar, seeking their governments' assistance in securing Joshi's release.

In response, Ambassador of Israel to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass informed that the Israel government had sent a list of captives to Hamas a few months ago, urging the group to release elderly, women and children, and those in critical health conditions in particular in the first phase, and that preparations were underway for their release.

Joshi was among those who were kidnapped during the Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, which led to the killing of more than a thousand people, including 10 Nepalis.

Since then, the Government of Nepal has continued its diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release. Dr Rana has continuously raised the issue at national and regional forums, including the United Nations, and through bilateral meetings for Joshi's safe release.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba departed for China on Thursday at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi. Her visit aims to set the tone for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming trip to Beijing, scheduled for December 2.

Deuba is set to meet with Wang on Sunday (November 29) to finalize the agenda for Oli’s visit. Oli’s four-day visit has drawn attention to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has become a focal point of national political discourse. The ruling coalition of CPN-UML and the Nepali Congress (NC) remain divided on how to approach the BRI, prompting behind-the-scenes negotiations to form a unified position ahead of the visit.

The extent of any consensus between the two parties remains unclear. A key point of contention lies in Beijing’s 2020 BRI Implementation Plan. The NC has expressed significant reservations about the document, and a task force has proposed revisions, including changes to its title. Whether Beijing will accept these modifications is uncertain. While all three major parties now agree that Nepal should not accept loans under the BRI, a critical question lingers: Does the BRI framework include provisions for grants?

Speaking with the media before her departure, Foreign Minister Deuba sought to downplay the perceived differences between the two coalition partners. “The media hype about disagreements is exaggerated. A joint task force is addressing the concerns, and much will depend on how the negotiations unfold,” she said. However, official documents suggest that grants are not part of the BRI framework. Research indicates that China has not provided grants for BRI projects, aligning with the initiative’s emphasis on shared development rather than international aid.

The BRI White Paper underscores its collaborative nature, stating that it prioritizes equal participation, voluntary engagement, and freedom from political or economic preconditions. It explicitly notes that the BRI is neither an aid program nor a geopolitical tool but a framework for joint development.

Kalyan Raj Sharma, chairperson of the Nepal-China Friendship Forum, criticized the ongoing debate over loans versus grants, calling it “inherently problematic.” He argued that the BRI is a corporate framework requiring Nepal to define its priorities. “We should focus on two aspects: small-scale project collaboration and long-term infrastructure development. Within this framework, modalities could include grants, concessional loans, or others. First, let’s finalize our vision before getting bogged down in loan-versus-grant debates,” he said.

UML leader and former Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali echoed this sentiment, stressing the need to align Nepal’s interests with the Chinese initiative. “Instead of determining where our priorities overlap with the BRI, our discussions have been reduced to a binary narrative of loans versus grants,” Gyawali remarked. He maintained that under the current economic climate, Nepal should avoid loans for large infrastructure projects.

Former Foreign Secretary Madhu Ram Acharya was more critical, describing Nepal’s engagement with the BRI as a “classic case of how not to negotiate.” He highlighted rushed, top-down negotiations and excessive politicization. “The BRI Implementation Plan formalizes the ‘strategic partnership’ agreed upon during President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2019. Such a comprehensive agreement should not be signed hastily or without safeguarding Nepal’s national interests,” Acharya argued.

As Oli’s visit to China approaches, the BRI remains a complex issue at the intersection of domestic politics and international diplomacy. Nepal faces the delicate task of navigating its priorities while ensuring that the collaboration benefits its development goals. Whether the visit will yield clarity on the BRI and its modalities remains to be seen, but it is clear that the framework offers opportunities—if Nepal can negotiate effectively.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba left for China on Thursday.

He left Kathmandu for China this afternoon at the friendly invitation of Chinese Minister for Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi.

It is the first visit of Foreign Minister Dr Rana to China since her appointment.

Officiating Secretary at Foreign Ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai, and Ministry officials bade farewell to Minister Dr Rana at Tribhuvan International Airport.

She is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with her Chinese counterpart Yi at Chengdu city of Sichuan Province, China on Friday.

The Foreign Minister is visiting China as part of the preparation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's imminent visit to China. 

PM Oli is scheduled to embark on a China visit next week, while Foreign Minister Rana is returning home on November 30.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has instructed the Nepalis embassies in Israel and Lebanon to closely monitor the situation of Nepalis there amid increasing concerns about their safety.

The minister held virtual meetings with the Nepali ambassadors in these countries on Sunday, and took information about the latest developments in these countries.

On the occasion, Minister Rana directed maintaining contact with Nepalis there, stressing the need for effective communications and assistance for them.

"Try to get in touch with all Nepalis there. Coordinate for those who want to return home. Do the necessary homework for any rescue and repatriation efforts," she directed.

Minister Rana also directed the issuance of official notices to the respective embassies, instructing them to appoint contact persons and establish help desks for any rescue and repatriation efforts.

Nepal's Ambassador to Egypt Sushil Lamsal informed about the latest situation in Lebanon, confirming the safety of Nepalis there.

It is estimated that around 1,200 Nepali people are there with most of them serving as domestic helpers. Based on information issued by the embassy, only three Nepali individuals have come in contact and they are safe in Beirut, he said, adding that no Nepalis in these countries are reported to be in trouble.

Similarly, Charge d'Affaires to Israel, Kumar Shrestha, said that the situation in Israel is normal and about 4,500 Nepalis there are safe. Additionally, Nepal's Ambassador to Pakistan, Tapas Adhikari updated on the latest situation in Iran.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Chief Executive Officer of Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US agency, Alice P Albright, held a meeting on Monday.

The meeting held at Nepali Embassy in the US witnessed a discussion on issues like enforcement of the activities under the MCC project that Nepal signed in 2017. Timely completion of the project was stressed in the discussion, the Nepali Embassy stated.

The transmission line and road upgrade under the MCC project are being implemented in Nepal. Nepal has been provided USD 50 million assistance for the projects.

The meeting was held before Foreign Minister Rana left for Doha.

Minister Rana had arrived in the US to attend the 79th UNGA.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who is in New York to attend the 79th United Nations General Assembly, has urged the global community to take initiatives for the safe release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student, believed to be in the captivity of the extremist group Hamas.

Addressing the Ministerial Meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement on Monday, she called attention of the world community for Joshi's release. Minister Rana said Nepal is eagerly waiting for Bipin Joshi's release and wanted the world community to support in this cause.

Ten Nepalis lost their lives in the Hamas' assault in Israel on October 7, 2023. Hamas had taken Joshi captive after the attack.

The foreign minister said the Government of Nepal condemned the raid by Hamas and it has been calling for Joshi's safe release.  

Stressing on the need for collective international efforts for establishing global peace, she said, "We are at a critical confluence in history, facing the highest number of conflicts. So, we have to work with high priority to protect citizens from armed conflicts."

The minister rued that despite international efforts, the world continues to fail to stop wars, bring solutions, restore peace and tranquility, and give hope.

"Even as we commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, the principles designed to protect civilians are being systematically ignored or misinterpreted by the resourceful and powerful countries," she said, calling for an immediate end to this situation, and for all to move forward with peace and co-existence.

Referencing ongoing conflicts such as the wars in Israel and Palestine, and Russia and Ukraine, the minister called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and full implementation of Council Resolution 2735 (2024).

She further called for the urgent need for all parties to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights laws, ensure accountability for violations and respect for international law, including the UN Charter.

Minister Rana condemned the indiscriminate attack on civilians, including the UN officials, humanitarian workers, journalists and health professionals, saying the devastation of Gaza on such a scale and the relentless death of civilians cannot be justified.

She also drew global attention to the near-total destruction of homes, schools, hospitals, and basic infrastructure, which has left the entire population in constant fear and deprived of basic necessities like food, education, health, and clean water.

Minister Rana on the occasion urged the international community to put pressure on the warring parties, and find creative solutions to conflicts. She appealed to the world community to be united for peace and co-existence, reaffirming Nepal's commitment as a member of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), leading the Nepali delegation, held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Lotte New York Palace Hotel in the USA on Sunday.

Talking to mediapersons, PM Oli said that the meeting was positive.

According to Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, who also attended the meeting, said the meeting was held in a cordial manner and also informed that Indian PM Modi would make a Nepal visit soon.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rana, chief political advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sewa Lamsal and representative of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN (Ambassador) Lok Bahadur Thapa on behalf of Nepal and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary Vikram Misri from Indian side were present in the meeting.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba is leaving for Canada tomorrow evening to attend the Meeting of Women Foreign Ministers to be held from 19 to 20 September 2024 in Toronto, Canada.

The meeting is being co-hosted by the Governments of Canada and Jamaica.

The Foreign Minister is scheduled to address the meeting of Women Foreign Ministers in Toronto, stated a press release issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

On September 21, 2024, Foreign Minister Rana will join a Nepali delegation led by the Prime Minister to the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Leading a Nepali delegation, the Minister for Foreign Affairs will attend the Third Summit of Asia Cooperation Dialogue being held in Doha, the State of Qatar during 2-3 October 2024.

The Foreign Minister will return home on October 4, 2024.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said that her recent official visit to India has played a significant role towards contributing to enhance the mutual goodwill as well as to the promotion of cooperation and collaboration between the two countries.

Minister Rana was briefing about her India visit in a meeting of the Parliament's International Relations and Tourism Committee held at Singha Durbar today. She expressed the confidence that the visit contributed to further strengthening the friendly, cooperative, multi-faceted and close relations subsisting between the two countries on the basis of mutual equality and benefit.

Apart from this, the visit also provided a guideline to expand contact at high level and various levels as well as to promote cooperation and collaboration for mutual benefit through the bilateral mechanism also.

Responding to lawmakers' queries, the Minister for Foreign Affairs stated that the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given a positive response to an invitation for him to visit Nepal. Stating that she had undertaken an official visit to India from August 18-22 and on the occasion also paid a courtesy call on the Indian Prime Minister.

"On behalf of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, I conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the Indian Prime Minister and also formally handed to him an invitation that PM Oli had extended to him for a state visit to Nepal," she said, adding that the Indian PM happily acknowledged the invitation and gave a positive response for a visit to Nepal.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rana had visited India at the invitation of Minister for External Affairs of India, S Jaishankar. She held a courtesy meeting with the Indian PM in New Delhi on August 19.

According to her, on the occasion discussions were held on further consolidating the friendly ties subsisting between Nepal and India and on expanding the existing collaboration on matters of mutual benefit.

Foreign Minister Rana said the bilateral meeting she had with her Indian counterpart at Hyderabad House in New Delhi earlier the same day remained significant. On the occasion, the two Foreign Ministers had discussed expanding cooperation in trade and transit, increasing the quantity of electricity exported to India from Nepal, extending the cross-border connectivity and promoting Indian investment in Nepal.

Also, she said that talks were held to take forward necessary discussions for granting more air routes to Nepal, for mobilization of related mechanisms for resolving the problems of flooding and inundation and taking ahead the Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project on priority basis.

Foreign Minister Rana said talks were held on overall topics of Nepal-India relations, including cooperation in sports sector, capacity enhancement of sportspersons and construction of a cricket stadium at Phapla of Dhangadhi as well as on construction and expansion of border infrastructures.

It is stated that besides this agreement was reached on giving continuity to contacts at various levels on several topics through the existing bilateral mechanism.

The Foreign Affairs Minister said that she specifically brought up the topic of air route and an agreement has been reached in principle for the technical committee to hold the necessary discussions on this matter.

Noting that the government has been conducting the country's international relations and diplomacy as per Nepal's foreign policy focusing on protecting and promoting the national interest, she asserted that Nepal is being represented in the international forums ensuring Nepal's interest as specified by the Constitution and the foreign policy.

Minister Rana reiterated that the present government is committed to mobilizing Nepal's foreign-based diplomatic missions, the mission chiefs taking the supreme interest of the nation into account. 

She assured that this government shall make maximum efforts to make the appointment of ambassadors more systematized, dignified, transparent and capacity and performance-based on the main basis of the spirit of the constitution and the guidelines on appointment of ambassadors.

Foreign Minister Rana stated that the policy of appointing at least 50 per cent ambassadors from the Foreign Service has been continued this time as well for maintaining balance between political appointment and appointment from the career diplomats.

She also informed the Committee that preparations were being made for signing four important agreements with Oman on tourism, health, labor and foreign affairs.

Amid speculations about New Delhi’s response to Nepal’s new coalition government under KP Sharma Oli, a warm reception extended to Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Deuba Rana, by the Indian government in Delhi is being perceived as a positive gesture. This visit closely followed Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Nepal, signaling India’s priority in maintaining strong ties with its neighbor. High-level exchanges like these are often seen as manifestations of friendly relations and a growing understanding between the parties involved. Foreign Minister Rana’s India visit underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthening their bilateral relationship.

India’s response to Foreign Minister Rana’s visit has been interpreted differently by various observers. While some have provided subjective analyses, others have attempted to uncover the strategic implications. Regardless, diplomatic interactions like this are open to multiple interpretations. However, those who are trying to narrate a bad story aiming to destabilize bilateral relations, should be overlooked. Conspirators are everywhere, they should be condemned.   

This article aims to highlight Nepal-India relations, particularly in the context of recent high-level exchanges between the neighbors. It will focus on Kathmandu-New Delhi relations through the lens of KP Sharma Oli’s foreign policy and its approach to neighborly relations.

The importance given to Nepal’s Foreign Minister in India is a reflection of the importance given to the new government of Nepal formed under KP Sharma Oli. This gesture also honors the sentiments of the Nepali people. But the gestures should lead to some concrete action, for which we should wait for a few weeks (at least). Prime Minister Modi and his team are aware that Arzu Deuba Rana is the wife of former Prime Minister and a waiting Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. They also know that Arzu herself is a leader of the Nepali Congress. In that sense,  Delhi’s response to her might have comprised such mixed posture. But, this time as a foreign minister of Nepal, she was perceived as a representative of the government of Nepal and, by extension, Prime Minister Oli. So, there’s a need to be cautious about possible efforts to create misunderstanding within the coalition by misinterpreting the visit.  

During her meetings with Prime Minister Modi, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, and other Indian officials, Minister Rana raised several key issues. These discussions covered bilateral relations, development cooperation and economic collaboration. It is important to note that this visit was not heavily loaded with agendas but rather aimed at setting a positive tone in bilateral relations at a time when Nepal’s new ruling coalition has just taken charge. 

Minister Rana’s visit has set the tone for further discussions and future high-level visits. This diplomatic engagement also paved the way for an upcoming meeting between Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such interactions are expected to address and resolve longstanding issues, fostering trust and understanding between the two nations. It should be remembered here that Oli and Modi have been maintaining close contact and sharing thoughts on issues of mutual interest.  

During the visit, Minister Rana formally extended an invitation from Prime Minister Oli to Prime Minister Modi to visit Nepal, to which Modi responded positively, indicating that he will visit Nepal in appropriate time. This development is significant, marking the potential for reciprocal visits between the two leaders.

In building relations, the chemistry of the leaders and approach to the issues are also important. This is where the foreign policy approach of Prime Minister Oli comes in.   

Prime Minister Oli’s foreign policy has been shaped by Nepal’s geographic location between its powerful neighbors, India and China. He has consistently prioritized maintaining a balanced and fair relationship with both countries on the basis of the principle of “sovereign equality.”  His well-known assertion that “countries may vary in size, but all countries are equal in terms of sovereignty” encapsulates a core tenet of Nepal’s foreign policy and continues to guide the nation’s diplomatic engagements. This approach, in  a way, aligns with India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and China’s “Peripheral Diplomacy,” both of which emphasize the importance of fostering good relations with neighboring countries.

Prime Minister Oli has emphasized that Nepal’s strategic location should be viewed as an opportunity for development rather than a challenge. He has also expressed appreciation for India’s leadership in global initiatives, such as campaigning of Global South, demonstrating the alignment of interests between the two nations. Throughout his previous tenures, Prime Minister Oli has remained committed to prioritizing Nepal’s national interest, navigating the complex geopolitical landscape with a focus on fairness and balance. In his fourth term as Prime Minister, Oli has, once again, openly requested both India and China to support Nepal’s development endeavors.  

In conclusion, Prime Minister Oli’s foreign policy approach, centered on the principles of “amity with all” and “enmity with none,” aims to promote peaceful and cooperative relations with all nations. From the land of Gautam Buddha, Prime Minister Oli has called on the global community to embrace peace and non-violence as solutions to global crises. Nepal, with its rich heritage of peace, stands ready to contribute to global efforts in promoting harmony and understanding.

The recent visit of Nepal’s foreign minister to India should be analyzed by considering these factors.  

Views are personal

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba left for India on Sunday.

She left for India at the cordial invitation of her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.

Joint Secretary Bhrigu Dhungana among other officials are in Minister Rana’s team.

Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and Joint Secretary Amrit Rai among other senior Foreign Ministry officials bade farewell to Minister Rana at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

During her stay in India, she will meet her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar including high-level officials.

This is Rana’s first foreign visit after being appointed as the foreign minister.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had visited Nepal a few days ago after the formation of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli-led government.

During his stay in Nepal, he paid courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Oli, ministers, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal among others.

It has been said that Minister Rana left for India to strengthen mutual harmony and relations between the two countries.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba is to leave for India.

According to a high-level source at the Foreign Ministry, she is leaving for New Delhi next week.

During her stay in India, she will meet her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar including high-level officials.

This is Rana’s first foreign visit after being appointed as the foreign minister.

However, there has been no official information about Minister Rana’s India visit from either side.

The source said that the Cabinet meeting to be held today may take a decision on the same.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had visited Nepal a few days ago after the formation of CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli-led government.

During this stay in Nepal, he paid courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister Oli, ministers, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal among others.

It has been said that Minister Rana is leaving for India to strengthen mutual harmony and relations between the two countries.

Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand to Nepal Suwapong Sirisorn paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba at her office in Singha Durbar today. 

During the meeting, matters of bilateral relations and mutual cooperation between Nepal and Thailand were discussed, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.