Turkey Likely to Open Embassy in Nepal

KATHMANDU — As the possibility of Turkey establishing an embassy in Nepal grows stronger, Indian policy analysts have expressed both interest and concern over the matter. According to Indian analysts, this move is not merely an expansion of diplomatic relations between the two countries but also carries significant geopolitical dimensions.

During a recent meeting between National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal and Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş on the sidelines of the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey expressed a positive stance toward opening an embassy in Nepal. Dahal had noted the current compulsion of Nepali citizens having to travel to New Delhi for Turkey-related services and urged for the establishment of an embassy in Kathmandu.

Diplomatic relations between Nepal and Turkey were established in 1962. Currently, Turkey’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal is based in New Delhi, while Nepal’s ambassador to Turkey is based in Islamabad.

India is particularly viewing this in the context of the close ties between Turkey and Pakistan. Indian analysts have expressed concerns that strategic cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan could influence Nepal’s sensitive geographical position. According to them, Turkey’s entry into Nepal could pose new challenges to the balance of India’s influence in South Asia.

Nepal’s Tarai region is also considered highly sensitive from a geopolitical perspective. Indian officials fear that any external power becoming active there could have a direct impact on India’s security and border strategies.

For Nepal, however, this could present diplomatic and economic opportunities. Speaker Kurtulmuş has already expressed commitment to increasing the limited number of scholarships currently available for Nepali students in Turkey. There is also potential for expanding trade and investment between the two countries. Turkish Airlines has been operating direct Kathmandu–Istanbul flights since 2013.

According to experts, Nepal faces the challenge of maintaining its balanced foreign policy while advancing relations with all friendly nations within the framework of national interest, security, and constitutional boundaries. The issue of establishing a Turkish embassy appears poised to add a new dimension to South Asian geopolitical dynamics alongside opportunities for expanding Nepal’s foreign relations.