Kathmandu: Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is going to China on his first visit after assuming office. KP Sharma Oli has given clarification regarding this. He has said that the recent visit to China will not spoil relations with India. Speaking at the concluding session of the Kantipur Conclave in Kathmandu on Thursday, he said that just because he is going to China first instead of India does not mean that relations will suffer. Oli will visit China in the first week of December. Regarding this visit, former PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda alleged that the government has failed to maintain balance in foreign policy. Oli said, ‘We are a sovereign nation and we never said that we will not visit India.’ He further said, ‘We choose to go where it is convenient.’ Traditionally, the first visit of Nepali Prime Ministers after assuming office is to India. However, he did not receive an invitation from India for several weeks. After this, the Nepali PM went to New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he met PM Modi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and many other leaders.
Our relations with India deepen
Oli said, ‘I went to America to participate in the United Nations General Assembly, because the headquarters of the UN is in America, where I met many global leaders. But that doesn’t mean I wanted to go to America first. We are surrounded by two big neighbors. We have to maintain good relations with them.
He said, ‘And my visit to China will not cause any harm to our relations with India. Our relations with India are deep, historical, based on culture and tradition. These predate today’s modern times. We are a sovereign nation and travel abroad as per our convenience.
Will not allow the Constitution to be destroyed
During the conversation, Oli discussed a range of issues including the country’s economy, national politics, constitutional amendment issues, relations between the federal and provincial governments and the arrest of former deputy PM Rabi Lamichhane. The Prime Minister said that he is ready for any kind of open challenge. He said he welcomed talks on the future of the political system, but would not allow the Constitution to be destroyed.
How has Nepal’s foreign policy evolved in response to its relationships with India and China?
Interview: The Future of Nepal’s Foreign Relations
Editor (Time.news): Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we are joined by Dr. Anita Sharma, a renowned expert in South Asian politics and foreign relations. We’re here to discuss the significant implications behind Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit to China. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sharma.
Dr. Anita Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Prime Minister Oli has stated that his visit to China will not harm Nepal’s ties with India, despite the timing. How do you interpret his assertion, especially in the context of Nepal’s historical relationships with these two neighboring giants?
Dr. Sharma: Prime Minister Oli’s remarks are quite strategic. Nepal has historically navigated a delicate balancing act between India and China. By emphasizing that the visit to China has no intention of straining relations with India, he is trying to reassure the Indian government and the Nepali populace. It reflects a pragmatic approach where Nepal aims to engage with both countries without leaning too heavily toward one.
Editor: Oli’s comments come amid criticisms from former Prime Minister Prachanda, who argues that the government has failed to maintain a balanced foreign policy. What do you think drives such criticism, and is it justified?
Dr. Sharma: The criticism from Prachanda is rooted in a genuine concern regarding Nepal’s foreign relations. Historically, Nepal has had close ties with India, and any overtures to China can be perceived as a tilt away from that relationship. Prachanda’s concerns reflect a broader sentiment among some political factions in Nepal who fear that strengthening ties with China could lead to geopolitical tensions with India. However, it’s important to note that Nepal, as a sovereign nation, has the right to foster international relationships that serve its national interests.
Editor: You mentioned the concept of sovereignty. How do you think this relates to Oli’s statement about choosing where to visit first?
Dr. Sharma: His statement reinforces the idea that Nepal is a sovereign state making independent decisions regarding its diplomatic engagements. Visiting China first can be symbolic, indicating Nepal’s intention to diversify its foreign relations and reduce dependency on India. However, it’s also crucial for the Oli administration to communicate that this does not equate to a dismissal of other relationships, particularly with India.
Editor: Looking ahead to the visit in early December, what outcomes should we expect from this trip? What key issues do you think will be on the agenda?
Dr. Sharma: The visit could lead to discussions around economic cooperation, infrastructure projects, and the Belt and Road Initiative. Nepal may seek more Chinese investment and support, particularly in areas devastated by natural disasters. Conversely, it’s also an opportunity for China to strengthen its influence in a region where India has traditionally held sway. Additionally, it’s likely that Oli will strive to signal to India that his government is committed to maintaining strong ties while pursuing new partnerships.
Editor: What could be the long-term implications of this visit for Nepal’s foreign policy?
Dr. Sharma: The long-term implications could be significant. If successfully managed, an effective partnership with China could enhance Nepal’s bargaining power with India and provide economic benefits. However, if not balanced properly, it could lead to a diplomatic rift with India and potentially impact regional stability. Ultimately, Nepal’s ability to navigate both relationships will be crucial for its national sovereignty and development.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for your insightful analysis. We’ll certainly be watching closely as these developments unfold.
Dr. Sharma: Thank you for having me. It’s an important time for Nepal, and I look forward to seeing how this dynamic evolves.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for joining us today on Time.news. Stay tuned for our continuing coverage of KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China and its implications for South Asian geopolitics.