KATHMANDU, Aug 4: The CPN-UML, a key opposition party in the parliament, has accused the government led by Balendra Shah (Balen) of failing to build trust with Nepal's two immediate neighbors, India and China, warning that the widening diplomatic gap could undermine the country's national interests.
Speaking at an interaction with journalists covering foreign affairs in Kathmandu, former foreign minister and head of the UML's Foreign Affairs Department, Pradeep Gyawali, said the government had been unable to earn the confidence of either neighboring country despite being in office for four months. "The government has failed to win the trust of both neighbors. This will have consequences not only for the ruling party but for the country as a whole," he said.
Gyawali argued that while misunderstandings with neighboring countries are inevitable, they should not be allowed to disrupt cooperation. Stressing the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement, Gyawali said Nepal's national interest lies in maintaining the strongest possible relations with both India and China.
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Gyawali argued that none of the countries have taken Nepal seriously following the political change that followed the Gen Z protests last September. "Risks have increased, and there is distrust from both neighbors. This gap is not good," he said. "How can Nepal move forward without engaging with India and China? Nepal's national interest is best served by maintaining close ties with both."
Gyawali also criticized the government's description of Nepal as a "buffer state," saying the country had never before been officially characterized in those terms. He questioned whether the government was attempting to alter Nepal's longstanding foreign policy orientation. "Is the government trying to change the country's fundamental foreign policy course?" he asked.
The former foreign minister also claimed that the United States had shown increased security-related interest in Nepal since Balen assumed office. According to him, recent visits by U.S. officials have been dominated by security-related engagements rather than political exchanges.
Gyawali further took issue with some of Prime Minister Balen's public remarks, particularly on border issues, describing them as potentially "self-defeating" and warning that such statements could weaken Nepal's position in future negotiations. "There have been statements from the government that could prove self-defeating, especially on border issues. Such remarks can influence negotiations, although the prime minister later clarified some of his comments," he said.
At the same time, Gyawali commended the prime minister for strictly observing diplomatic protocol, describing protocol as an important instrument for safeguarding national interests. He also expressed concern over what he described as a lack of consultation between the government and opposition parties on foreign policy.
"There has been very little dialogue between the government and political parties on foreign affairs. The prime minister has not consulted us, and that is not a good sign. We are prepared to participate whenever the government seeks dialogue," he said.
Commenting on the government's ongoing ambassadorial selection process, Gyawali argued that it had generated more publicity than meaningful results. "There is little value in holding an open competition for ambassadorial appointments. The government should identify competent individuals. A self-respecting person does not apply for an ambassador's post. It has become more of a publicity exercise," he said.
Gyawali also warned that Nepal's internal unity had become increasingly fragile, saying the country could face serious challenges if political divisions continue to deepen.
