Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah’s separate meetings with the Indian and Chinese ambassadors signal a cautious shift in his foreign-policy approach, as Kathmandu seeks to maintain balanced relations with its two powerful neighbors.
Shah met Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar on Monday before holding talks with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming. In both meetings, he stressed the importance of strengthening Nepal’s historic ties and expanding bilateral cooperation.
The sequence of the meetings attracted attention because Shah has so far revealed little about his foreign-policy priorities. Analysts say meeting the Indian envoy first, followed by the Chinese ambassador, may carry diplomatic symbolism, although it is too early to interpret the order as a clear tilt towards New Delhi.
More importantly, the meetings mark a departure from Shah’s earlier reluctance to hold individual discussions with foreign diplomats. Since taking office, the rapper-turned-politician had largely focused on domestic issues and avoided one-on-one engagements with ambassadors.
Foreign-affairs observers believe the change was necessary. Nepal depends heavily on its neighbors for trade, investment, connectivity and development cooperation. India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, while China is its second-largest trading partner and an increasingly important development partner.
Shah’s diplomatic balancing act, however, will not be easy. Nepal has traditionally sought to preserve close ties with India while expanding economic and strategic engagement with China. At the same time, Kathmandu must remain attentive to the interests of other major partners, including the United States, Britain and European countries.
The cancellation of a major international seminar on Tibetan studies following a request from Beijing also provides an early indication of the sensitivities surrounding Nepal’s relationship with China. The decision could reinforce perceptions that Kathmandu is prepared to accommodate Beijing on issues it considers politically sensitive.
Shah is also expected to engage with other foreign envoys and eventually visit India. His India visit will be closely watched, given the long-standing practice of Nepali prime ministers making New Delhi an early destination after taking office.
The emerging approach suggests that Shah is moving from domestic political consolidation towards pragmatic diplomacy. His challenge will be to deepen cooperation with both India and China without allowing either relationship to dominate Nepal’s foreign policy.
