KATHMANDU, March 1: The fiery altercation between US President Donald Trump and Ukranian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House on Friday has reverberated across the world, including Nepal.
While the spat between the two leaders has raised doubts about President Trump’s approach to ending the Russia-Ukraine war, concerns are also emerging in Nepal about how the ‘transactional’ foreign policy of the new US administration could impact the country. Some experts argue that Nepal must tread carefully in future agreements, as it is now evident that concessions may be expected in return.
"Who knows if Nepal will be pressured to compromise on its policy stance, principled support for certain countries or other crucial matters? As a sovereign nation committed to maintaining friendly relations with all the countries, this is a reality our political leadership must recognize," said a retired diplomat who requested anonymity.
Ukraine had agreed to sign a mineral deal after US President Trump insisted that it was essential to repay the US for the more than $180 billion in American military aid sent to Kyiv since the start of the war. Zelensky was expected to grant the US greater access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for continued military assistance.
Missing principle in Nepal’s foreign policy?
But as there were differences between the two leaders on the ways to make peace with Russia to end the ongoing war, President Trump openly chastised Zelensky for not showing enough "gratitude" for American support, later accusing him of being "unprepared for peace" and "disrespecting" the United States in the "cherished Oval Office". President Trump appeared to press Ukraine to sign a deal under the terms and conditions that his administration would broker with Russia.
Former Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey remarked that Nepal's leaders must acknowledge the rapidly shifting dynamics of international relations, particularly following Trump’s return to power. "One of the fundamentals of international relations is the national interest of major powers. These nations will go to any extent and adopt any behavior to achieve their objectives. As the US pursues a more ‘business-oriented’ diplomacy, Nepal must rethink its foreign policy and diplomatic strategies. Our approach must evolve to suit the changing times," he said.
Beyond diplomats, Nepal’s political leaders are also closely watching the deteriorating US-Ukraine ties. Ruling CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel argued that the fallout from the Trump-Zelensky meeting offers key lessons for Nepal.
"Every nation must prioritize strong relations with its neighbors to safeguard national interests. Even powerful countries struggle when their ties with neighbors weaken. External support against a neighboring country is often temporary and self-serving," he wrote on social media, advocating for a broader alliance among Asian nations.
Experts suggest Nepal should carefully analyze evolving geopolitical developments and ensure prudence and pragmatism in its foreign policy decisions, including its votes at the United Nations. "My advice to the government is that geography plays a crucial role in international diplomacy. It should never be used or over-used to serve foreign policy objectives," added former Minister Pandey.
Some analysts argue that the latest US strategy signals that Asia could emerge as the next focal point of geopolitical conflict. They argue that the trajectory of Washington’s relations with New Delhi and Beijing will significantly impact Nepal, making it essential to navigate these challenges carefully.
With concerns that the Trump administration is solely prioritizing economic gains under the guise of diplomacy, experts warn of a new kind of geopolitical conflict driven by economic rivalries. "The biggest lesson from the Russia-Ukraine war is that Nepal must acknowledge its geographic realities. Every foreign policy decision must be made with this understanding," said former ambassador Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai.
