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Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed the hope that the Chhath festival will inspire all of us to embrace the values of good governance, prosperity and social justice.

Extending his best wishes to the entire Nepali sisters and brothers on the occasion of the Chhath, the Prime Minister hoped that the festival would contribute to further strengthening national unity, mutual trust and ties, empowering us to overcome prevailing challenges in the country.  

"The festivals celebrated in Nepali society carry a historic significance and background, and serve as the foundation for human civilization and development," the head of the government said on the occasion of the festival dedicated to the Sun god.

Stating that this festival is established as the festival forging a lively practical connection between nature and human life, he said it played an important role in terms of respect and preservation of goods useful in human life and also for the development of a culture of production and work.

The PM said although small in terms of territory and area, Nepal is big and prosperous in terms of diversity of languages, cultures, festivals, costumes and civilization.

The Prime Minister stated that our culture, rituals and historic facts very much vindicated to the richness of our cultural diversity, adding the Constitution of Nepal has adopted the unity with diversity as the national dignity, internalizing the multi-ethnic, multi-linguistic, multi-cultural and regional uniqueness of Nepali society.

Prime Minister Dahal expressed the belief that the Chhath festival inspired us all towards fulfilling the national mission of prosperity by converting the challenges into opportunity, infusing hope in the people's and social life and coalescing unity in the nation.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Friday addressed the second Voice of Global South Summit organized by India.  Addressing the session, PM Dahal said that the world is facing unprecedented crises generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and deepening geo-political complexities. They have impacts on food and nutrition, health and education, economy and environment, and peace and security, he said.  More than 125 countries from the Global South attended the Summit. 

Developing countries especially the LDCs are the most affected ones by these crises. Rising food and energy prices, tightening financial conditions, and persistent cycles of vulnerabilities continue to add to their worries, PM Dahal said, many countries of the Global South are under unsustainable debt burden which is straining investments in health, education, social justice, and other pressing national priorities. 

We believe that in order to address the challenges facing the world, the international community must focus on common goals of peace, progress and prosperity. For this, building of trust, promoting partnership and collaboration and working in solidarity remain crucial, PM Dahal said.  We need to champion inclusive and sustainable global growth, in which the Global South receives a fair share to eradicate poverty and give their people a decent life, PM Dahal said, that Nepal remains steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism with the United Nations at the center.

Nonetheless, we believe that the existing global governance architecture needs a timely reform to make it relevant and reflective of today’s realities. At the same time, reform of the international financial architecture should be a top priority with full consideration to the voice of the countries in special situations, including LDCs, LLDCs and SIDS, PM Dahal said. 

“Climate change remains a grave threat to humanity. Climate-vulnerable countries like Nepal have been bearing the burden of climate change. The effect of climate change on the Himalayas has posed a severe threat to the lives and livelihoods of millions of people living in our region. We all must commit ourselves to achieving the set ambitions in a time-bound manner.” 

PM Dahal further said that Nepal is graduating from the LDC status by 2026 and we are committed to making this process smooth, sustainable, and irreversible.  Sustainable Development Goals remain at the center of our development vision and priorities with integration into national policies and plans. But even the progress that we achieved so far has been threatened by the multitude of global crises, he said.  “Hence, we have been calling for an enhanced level of international support from our partners such as development assistance, FDI, trade facilitation, technology transfer and technical assistance. The South-South cooperation should also be forthcoming to lifting the neediest countries.” 

Addressing the Summit Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Global South wants its autonomy and it is ready to take up greater responsibility in global matters. The Indian PM said that Global South wants its voice in global governance.  “Geographically, the Global South has always existed, but it is getting a voice for the first time, and this is because of joint efforts. We are more than 100 countries but our priorities are similar,” he said.   He also spoke of the 5 ‘Cs’, a commitment to which would power the growth of these countries.  The 5 ‘Cs’ are “consultation, cooperation, communication, creativity and capacity building”. 

The foreign ministers’ session deliberated on major global agendas, including climate change, energy transition, technological transformation, and restoring trust in multilateralism. Addressing the Summit, S Jaishankar, Minister for External Affairs of India, said India took over its G20 Presidency in the backdrop of a very challenging global, and in its Presidency, India’s anchor was the Global South.  Its voices inspired our priorities, fueled our efforts, and galvanized a path-breaking consensus, he said.  

Recognizing our shared past, the Global South will continue to make efforts for One Earth and to strengthen the voices of the developing countries, the Indian minister said, as one family, the Global South will continue to act with everyone’s interests in mind and drive transformation and building synergies.  

In the Summit, India has announced some initiatives. One of them is the Global South Centre of Excellence which will work as a think tank and will also work as a repository of knowledge and development initiatives in order to interface with the Global South and seek ways to forge collaboration with countries in this region.  

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is to address the 2nd Voice of Global South Summit today.

The PM will address the Summit, hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, by virtual means, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Heads of Government of various countries, including PM Modi, are scheduled to address the Summit. The theme of the Summit is - “Global South: Together for One Future”.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said Shankhadhar Sakhwa was the national luminary and an inspiring personality in our history.

Addressing a program organized in Lalitpur today on the occasion of Nepal Sambat New Year 1144, Prime Minister Dahal said, "We cannot stay without remembering Sakhwa while talking about social justice. We have already declared him as the national luminary.  Sakhwa set the record in the Nepali history by relieving the people of Nepal (referred to the then Kathmandu Valley) of debt and abolishing slavery."

Nepal Sambat is not only of a single community but the indigenous calendar of all the Nepalis, he further said, adding, he felt proud to make a decision from the cabinet of bringing Nepal Sambat calendar into use in government documents and works.

"I want to congratulate and extend wishes for the government's decision of bringing Nepal Sambat calendar into use in government documents. The cabinet meeting held yesterday (Monday) took the decision in this regard. It has taken our national sovereignty and self-respect along with freedom, equality and social justice to a new height. It has made all of us proud," PM Dahal said.

He further said the incumbent government has been carrying out activities with high-priority focusing its attention on social justice, good governance and prosperity.

PM Dahal extended best wishes on the occasion of Nepal Sambat New Year 1144, saying this day will give a new message.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has expressed the belief that festivals including Tihar have an important role in preparing the ideological, political, economic and cultural basis of socialism while protecting and strengthening the changed political system.

In a message of best wishes today, PM Dahal extended hearty best wishes to all Nepali sisters and brothers within the country and abroad on the happy occasion of the auspicious Deepawali, the big festival of the Nepalis.

He stated that the federal democratic republic achieved from a big struggle and sacrifice has provided us with an extensive base to keep the country's independence and dignity high by strengthening internal nationality.

"Festivals including Tihar are also an important context reflecting Nepal's unique identity. This festival makes the family reunion, social harmony and unity, and national independence, strong. It deepens the contribution of birds and animals playing the role of production, labor, information and social sentinel, and their interaction with humans. Cultural activities including Deusi Bhailo that are held during these festivals make an important contribution to creating an environment of gaiety and fervor as well as to promoting culture," the PM observed.

Stating that Nepal has remained as a place of convergence of multi-ethnic, multilingual and multi-cultural features as well as of immense natural resources and civilization, PM Dahal said our diverse traditions, cultures and festivals are not only the common assets but also an important basis for culturally and emotionally tying the country and the people on a thread of unity.

"The national festivals celebrated by the diverse castes, indigenous nationalities and communities are founded on natural heritage and historicity. Incorporated in such festivals are ideals like respect to labor, social feeling and amity, social coexistence, collaboration at times of challenges that come in human life and overcoming such adversities on the basis of unity," stated the Prime Minister in his message of best wishes. 

Secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Wang Junzheng called on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday.

A delegation led by Wang and Prime Minister Dahal held a meeting at the latter’s residence in Baluwatar this morning.

During the meeting, they discussed the issue of bilateral cooperation and mutual interest, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal thanked the Chinese government for providing relief materials to the earthquake victims.

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song was also present in the meeting.

The Chinese leader, who is on a five-day official visit to Nepal, is scheduled to meet leaders of various political parties.

He is scheduled to leave for Pokhara on Friday.

During his stay in the lake city, he will attend the Nepal-China cultural exchange program to be organized on Saturday.

On Sunday, he is scheduled to observe the projects of Bhakatpur which were damaged by the 2015 devastating earthquake and are being rebuilt with the help of the Chinese government.

He will leave for Colombo, Sri Lanka the same day.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) on Wednesday handed over a cheque of Rs 10 million to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal as per its commitment to provide monetary assistance to the earthquake survivors in Jajarkot and Rukum West.

A delegation led by Director General of CAAN Pradeep Kumar had reached the official residence of Prime Minister in Baluwatar this morning to hand over the cheque.

The amount will be deposited in the Prime Minister Disaster Relief Fund, according to CAAN Spokesperson Jagannath Niraula.

An earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale hit Jajarkot at 11:47 pm on Friday killing at least 157 people.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has issued directives for making the relief and rehabilitation for the Jajarkot earthquake victims effective.

Addressing the meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management National Council held in Singha Durbar today, he instructed the bodies concerned to carry out the relief and rehabilitation operations with the necessary preparation and by taking the earthquake affected people into confidence.

PM Dahal expressed profound sorrow over the big loss of life and property caused by the earthquake and stressed on the need of utilizing the disaster as an important opportunity for reconstruction.

The 13th meeting of the Council was convened to discuss the damage caused by the devastating earthquake that hit Jajarkot and Rukum Paschim, and the steps the government needs to initiate in its aftermath.

On the occasion, the PM directed one and all to be serious on making the post-quake rescue, relief and reconstruction effective, describing the initiatives made by the three tiers of the government and other bodies immediately after the disaster as positive.

He stated that preparations have been made to carry out works in a prompt manner by restructuring the existing Acts, regulations and structures based on the good practices during the time of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake.

"I thank all the parties, the federal government and various agencies, the provincial government and the local governments for their post-earthquake initiatives. We should have carried out work related to search, rescue and treatment yesterday, which we have basically completed. Now, we need to concentrate on relief and rehabilitation," the PM reiterated. 

He directed for managing warm clothes to the earthquake victims and for making treatment for them effective. Reminding that Nepal is a country vulnerable to natural disaster, the PM acknowledged that the government's initiatives and raising people's awareness on this have not been adequate.

"For the next three days, let us make maximum efforts for relief. Rehabilitation has to be made effective and we need the required Act, work procedure and structure for the same. The reconstruction works are not seen to be effective with the existing Act, procedures and structure. We need to make a sound review of our past experiences as well," PM Dahal reiterated.

Stating that an effective work relating to the earthquake had not taken place following the 2015 earthquake, he stressed the need for a study on the geographical condition and risks. "We must think about carrying out a geographical study and establishing human settlements. We should work to keep all required materials during disasters. Now, we store such materials. We will adopt a one-door system to distribute relief materials. We will stop misuse of relief materials. We will create an environment that reliefs are distributed through the central, provincial and local governments."

In the meeting, participants including Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Beduram Bhusal, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Ashok Kumar Rai, Minister for Urban Development Sita Gurung, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala and Chief of the Army Staff Prabhuram Sharma commended activeness and hard work shown by PM Dahal during the quake.

"The Prime Minister himself took initiatives in rescue efforts. Rescue efforts have almost been completed. Now, there are no reports of missing people. So, our focus should be on relief distribution," said DPM Shrestha.

The PM's activeness during the disaster showed the seriousness of the government, said former minister Gangadhar Tuladhar. Claiming that all state mechanisms had been effectively deployed since the PM himself took initiatives post-disaster, minister Basnet maintained that the government was successful in reaching out and assisting the quake victims.

PM himself taking a leadership role in the rescue, relief distribution and treatment of the quake victims has spread a positive message, said minister Jwala.

Praising PM Dahal for his activeness during the disaster, Minister for Health and Population Mohan Bahadur Basnet expressed his happiness for having a responsible and active PM.

The whole state mechanism was mobilized during the disaster, said the Army Chief Sharma.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has left for the earthquake-affected areas with health workers and essential supplies.

The Prime Minister has left for the quake-hit areas with a medical team including 16 members of the Nepali Army and necessary materials for the rescue, search and relief of the earthquake survivors, according to the Prime Minister's Press Advisor Govinda Acharya.

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet and former Finance Minister Janardan Sharma have also gone to the affected areas to coordinate rescue and relief efforts. Minister Basnet is an MP elected from Jajarkot and Sharma from Rukum West.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Dahal has said that he is deeply saddened by the loss of human lives and physical property in the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that took place at 11:47 pm on Friday with its epicenter at Ramidanda of Jajarkot.

Appealing to everyone concerned to help with the rescue and relief efforts, Prime Minister Dahal has said that all the three security agencies have been mobilized for the immediate search and rescue of those injured in the quake.

According to the Prime Minister's Secretariat, additional security personnel from all three agencies from neighboring districts including Surkhet have been mobilized in search and rescue of the quake survivors.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli in Baluwatar on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Dahal held talks with Deuba and Oli for almost two hours to forge consensus on the transitional justice issues.

The transitional justice Act is in the Human Rights Committee of the Parliament.

The Committee has forged consensus in almost all the issues by forming a sub-committee.

The sub-committee has prepared a report on consensus.

The issues that need to be resolved at the political level are only left to the settled down.

Congress Publicity Department Chief Min Bishwokarma and UML Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula have been claiming that the issues at the political level are only left to be resolved.

The UML has claimed that the decision of Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s decision to celebrate the day the war started as People’s War Day has left the conflict victims in the lurch.

During this stay in Nepal, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres had mounted diplomatic pressure on the government and political parties to conclude the peace process.

On Sunday, during a meeting with Guterres, UML Chairman Oli said that the peace process could not reach a logical conclusion due to the Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Dahal.

Oli had said that the UML wants the United Nations to take the peace process to its logical conclusion.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has reached Lumbini, the birth place of Buddha, to welcome United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The United Nations Secretary General will visit Lumbini today.

The UN high official, who is on a four-day official visit to Nepal, is arriving here from Pokhara.

After arriving in Lumbini, Guterres will be escorted in a car from Lumbini Gate No 4 up to the Peace Lamp site.

Sanu Raja Shakya, the Member-Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT), said that the Buddhist abbots, vikkhus, priests, nuns from the monasteries and the local mothers’ groups, various community groups including the indigenous Tharu and the hotel entrepreneurs at the Lumbini Sanskritik Municipality will welcome the UN Secretary-General from the Shanti Deep (peace lamp) to the Mayadebi Temple, lining up on both sides of the route. 

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati, Chief Minister of Lumbini Province Dil Bahadur Chaudhary and LDT officials will also be there to welcome the visiting UN dignitary.

Minister Kirati and Chief Minister Chaudhary arrived here on Monday itself.

It has been learnt that Guterres will give a message of world peace from the Buddha's birthplace. He will plant a sapling in Lumbini.  Secretary General Guterres will leave here for Kathmandu at 10.30 am.

LDT senior director Gyanin Rai said the UN Secretary-General's visit to the world heritage site, Lumbini, will give further publicity to the Buddha's birthplace and his message of peace. It will also help promote tourism in Lumbini.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said United Nations (UN) Secretary General Antonio Guterres’s four-day official visit to Nepal would contribute to further strengthening Nepal's relations with the United Nations and international community.

Talking to the media following his meeting with UN Secretary General Guterres at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers this afternoon, the Prime Minister said that the visit would play a crucial role in further consolidating Nepal's ties with the international community.

"We discussed various matters of bilateral interest and national and international concerns in a very cordial atmosphere," the Prime Minister said, adding that they primarily focused on the issues of climate change.

During the high-level meeting, the Prime Minister applauded the role of Guterres as the UN Secretary General in mitigating the climate change impact. 

Nepal anticipated further bilateral and multilateral support from the UN and other international agencies in its efforts to address climate change, according to PM Dahal.  He also assured the UN Secretary-General that Nepal's peace process would reach a conclusion soon, expecting the role on the part of Guterres towards that end.

The meeting also delved into Nepal's economic development and prosperity, with Dahal urging the UN Secretary General to facilitate Nepal's transition to a developing nation and assist in achieving sustainable development goals.

According to the Prime Minister, the meeting was highly positive. 

"The UN Secretary-General is well aware of Nepal's political dynamics and peace process. He also acknowledged Nepal's contributions to the world peacekeeping mission. We also sought recognition in regard with our involvement towards that end."

The Prime Minister is hosting a cultural function followed by a dinner in honor of the UN Secretary-General this evening.

During the trip concluding on November 1, the UN Secretary-General is scheduled to visit Namche in Solukhumbu, Pokhara, Annapurna Base Camp and Lumbini as well. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has sought help of the United Nations to conclude the peace process in Nepal.

During a meeting with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres, Prime Minister Dahal said that the role of the United Nations will be important in concluding the peace process in Nepal.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister said that the peace process in Nepal is at the stage of completion and the support of the United Nations is necessary for the same.

United Nations Secretary General Guterres and Prime Minister held the meeting at the latter’s office.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister said, “The role of the United Nations will be important in concluding the peace process in Nepal. The bill related to transitional justice has been registered in Parliament. The bill could not move forwards due to differences among the political parties.”

In response, Secretary General Guterres said that the United Nations will support Nepal to conclude peace process in accordance with international standards

Prime Minister Dahal has intensified discussions with the political parties to conclude the peace process in Nepal.

At the invitation of Prime Minister Dahal, the Secretary General arrived in Nepal on a four-day official visit on Saturday.

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and the main opposition leader, CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, had a meeting on Friday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar. They discussed two important issues: the upcoming visit of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Nepal and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Bill.

Guterres is scheduled to visit Nepal on Oct 29 and will address a joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on Oct 31. Prime Minister Dahal aims to pass the transitional justice bill before Guterres’ arrival, but this requires the support of the main opposition. 

While there is agreement on most aspects of the bill, the major point of contention is the provision granting immunity to individuals accused of murder, considering murder as a human rights violation. The government is attempting to address issues related to murder through reconciliation. They plan to reclassify murder as a human rights violation rather than a serious crime, which has the support of the Congress and Maoists in the ruling coalition. However, UML has not accepted this change.

UML whip Mahesh Bartaula says they are open to reaching an agreement on the bill before the UN Secretary-General’s visit, but he accuses the government of creating tension instead of cooperation. “Prime Minister Dahal’s decision to grant a holiday on People’s War Day contributes to this tension,” he says.

A sub-committee under the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee has prepared a report on amending the ‘Bill to amend the Commission for Investigation of Disappeared Persons, Truth and Reconciliation Act’ through consensus over the past month and a half. Bartaula, a member of the sub-committee, says most issues have been resolved, except for the topic of reconciliation in cases of serious incidents like murder.

UML’s stance is to not use reconciliation to absolve individuals of murder except in cases of double confrontations. They argue that such cases should be prosecuted. 

The issue of child soldiers during the armed conflict is another concern. While an agreement refers to these children as “connected parties of the conflict”, UML believes this issue is being unnecessarily prolonged for political reasons and calls for additional discussions.

Chair of the Human Rights Committee and CPN (Maoist Center) leader Bimala Subedi expressed optimism that the bill will move forward, emphasizing the need for consensus to resolve this sensitive issue. She highlighted the importance of political-level consensus, as it’s a long-standing matter. 

Four issues remain to be discussed within the committee, and Subedi believes that a positive environment for resolution is now present, especially following the meeting between the Prime Minister and the main opposition leader. 

Prime Minister Dahal had previously attempted to pass this bill in time he went to the United Nations General Assembly—to no avail.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has briefed the Cabinet meeting today about the health condition of Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha.

In a cabinet meeting held at Singha Durbar, Prime Minister Dahal briefed about the health condition of DPM Shrestha, shared Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma. DPM Shrestha is on an official visit to China.

The Deputy Prime Minister suffered a mild heart attack on Wednesday night. He is receiving treatment at Peking Union Medical College in Beijing.

Also the spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma, said DPM Shrestha is out of danger. "Prime Minister Dahal has been enquiring about Shrestha's health condition with the Nepali Ambassador to China. DPM Shrestha will stay in Beijing for a few days for treatment," said Minister Sharma.

Similarly, the Cabinet has given permission in principle to formulate a draft of the bill designed to make arrangements regarding the National Human Rights Commission.

The meeting also extended best wishes among all Nepalis in the country and abroad on the occasion of national festivals-- Dashain, Tihar, Nepal Sambat and Chhath.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s recent visit to China has significant implications for Nepal’s foreign policy. This visit comes at a crucial time, coinciding with the Asian Games, and highlights Nepal’s evolving foreign policy and its intricate relationship with its northern neighbor. Due to the internal conflicts and a political opportunity resulting from the dissolution of the Parliament in July 2021, Dahal transitioned an alliance with the then NCP leader KP Sharma Oli to the Nepali Congress, signaling a noteworthy shift in Nepal’s political landscape, with far-reaching implications for foreign policy. Both domestic and international factors drive this realignment. It raises questions about Nepal’s relationships with major global players, particularly China and India, as well as its standing in the global arena and the geopolitics of South Asia.

A complex relationship

Dynamic shifts and fluctuations have marked a complex relationship between Dahal and China. At the outset of his first term as prime minister in 2008, Dahal established a strong alliance with Beijing, marked by reciprocal support. However, the course of their engagement has been far from steady. In the lead-up to the 2022 elections, Dahal formed an electoral alliance with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli-led NCP to consolidate political power. Unfortunately, this alliance proved short-lived and ultimately resulted in a dramatic political split, strained Dahal’s relations with Oli and China, which had firmly supported the Oli-led government. This nuanced history illustrates the intricacies of Dahal’s interactions with China, showcasing the challenges and fluctuations in their relationship over the years.

A balancing act

Dahal’s recent move toward a closer alignment with the United States and India signifies Nepal’s deliberate pursuit of a balanced foreign relations strategy. His choice of India as his first official visit during his third tenure as prime minister earlier in the year demonstrates a clear intent to strengthen ties with that country. However, this diplomatic realignment is driven by the imperative to adapt to evolving global dynamics and safeguard Nepal’s sovereignty, given the complex interests of its more powerful neighbors. Rooted in Nepal’s enduring struggle for independence and its aspirations on the global stage, this commitment to a delicate equilibrium reflects the nation’s historical context. As a landlocked nation located between regional giants, Nepal’s leaders face the ongoing challenge of skillfully managing these relationships to protect their country’s interests and secure its continued independence in the international arena.

Chinese interests

China’s interests in Nepal are multifaceted and rooted in its broader geopolitical objectives. One key aspect is Nepal’s adherence to the one-China policy, which aligns with China’s core interests regarding Taiwan and Tibet. This alignment is crucial for China’s territorial integrity. Additionally, China seeks Nepal’s support in international diplomacy, development and security initiatives. Furthermore, Nepal’s involvement in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) theoretically offers China a pathway to expand its regional economic influence and infrastructure.  However, the nine BRI projects signed in Nepal have yet to materialize, partly due to uncertainties surrounding their funding modalities. Strengthening connectivity with Nepal is a strategic avenue for China to extend its influence into South Asia, bolstering its regional presence.

Lastly, China’s ambition to cultivate a trusted and ‘strategic’ relationship with Nepal, as articulated by President Xi Jinping during his visit to Nepal in 2019, has remained a blueprint to direct China’s engagements in Nepal. Nevertheless, Nepal faces the challenge of balancing these multifaceted interests while safeguarding its sovereignty and national interests, demanding adept negotiation skills and a nuanced approach to harmonize democratic principles with its stance on the one-China policy, reflecting a delicate nature of Nepal’s relationship with its influential northern neighbor.

A ceremonial visit

While presented as an effort to strengthen Nepal-China relations, Dahal’s recent visit to China appeared more ceremonial than substantive. Despite engaging with high-ranking Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, and signing 12 agreements, the visit faced limited diplomatic expectations. There was widespread anticipation for Dahal to advocate Nepal’s national interests, particularly concerning the recent contentious Chinese map affecting Nepali territory. The joint statement of the visit primarily consisted of diplomatic pleasantries and reaffirmations of historical ties, with Nepal restating its commitment to the one-China policy but failing to secure reciprocal assurances regarding its concerns. While there were some encouraging elements in the agreements, such as border point reopenings and cooperation in sectors like the BRI, connectivity networks and renewable energy projects, the absence of a much-awaited Project Implementation Plan Agreement and the failure to convert the loan for Pokhara International Airport into a grant were notable misses for Nepal. While potentially financially challenging, Dahal’s commitment to exploring the feasibility of the Jilong/Keyrung-Kathmandu Cross-Border Railway was a notable development.

Dahal’s prioritization of the Global Development Initiative (GDI) over Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) underscores Nepal’s cautious and balanced approach to international security matters. This stance reflects Nepal’s commitment to avoiding entanglement in major power rivalries and safeguarding its sovereignty. Nepal aims to maintain stability in a volatile region by emphasizing development over security, in line with its historical stance of neutrality and non-alignment. The visit ultimately became a standard bilateral exchange; ambitious agreements hold promise, but their impact on the ground level has been limited, reflecting their token nature. 

The way forward

As Prime Minister Dahal’s visit to China marks a pivotal moment for Nepal’s foreign policy, the nation stands at a critical juncture, given its evolving political landscape and changing alliances with regional and international powers. Navigating this landscape requires strategic diplomacy to safeguard Nepal’s sovereignty. Success hinges on the effective execution of agreements and carefully evaluating their implications, shaping Nepal’s foreign policy trajectory to align with its national interests and global aspirations while fostering confidence-building measures with China.

The author is a recent graduate with a Master’s degree in International Relations from South Asian University, New Delhi and is a junior researcher at the Centre for Social Inclusion and Federalism in Lalitpur, Nepal