The Future of Nepal–Russia Cooperation in a Multipolar World: A New Horizon of Shared Prosperity
# Muna Chand
Diplomatic relations between the then Soviet Union and Nepal were established in 1956. Over the seven decades that have passed since then, the world has witnessed numerous upheavals: the height of the Cold War, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the rise of a unipolar world, and now the transition toward multipolarity. Amid all these changes, relations between Nepal and Russia have remained consistently friendly, respectful, and cooperative. This in itself is a remarkable diplomatic achievement, particularly in a context where many bilateral relationships around the world have become unstable due to geopolitical pressures and shifting alliances.
Today, the world once again stands at a historic turning point. The dominance of the unipolar world order is declining. Multipolarity is emerging. Multilateral platforms such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Eurasian Economic Union are shaping the contours of a new world order. In this transformed context, there exists an opportunity to redefine Nepal–Russia relations, deepen and diversify them, and utilize them for the shared interests and prosperity of both countries. Exploring this very possibility is the central purpose of this article.
The historical foundation of Nepal–Russia relations is extremely strong. The contribution made by the Soviet Union to Nepal’s industrialization, infrastructure development, education, and health sectors cannot be sufficiently appreciated. The Panauti Industrial Estate, Janakpur Cigarette Factory, Pathibhara Irrigation Project, and the pediatric department of Kanti Hospital are only a few representative examples. Even after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation has continued its friendly relations with Nepal. In the field of education, Russian government scholarships have provided thousands of Nepali students with high-level technical and medical education. These students have returned to Nepal and are making significant contributions to the country’s development. Institutions such as Mitra Kunja have kept people-to-people relations between the two countries vibrant. This legacy is not merely a matter of memory; it is the foundation for deeper cooperation in the future. Standing on the capital of seven decades of trust, respect, and cooperation, the two countries can now set their sights on new heights.
After the end of the Cold War, a U.S.-led unipolar order was established in the world. However, over the past two decades, serious cracks have begun to appear in this order. The failure of the Iraq War, the financial crisis of 2008, the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Ukraine crisis, and recent geopolitical changes have exposed the limitations of unipolarity. In contrast, the expansion of BRICS, China’s economic rise, India’s growing strategic stature, Russia’s resurgence, the rising voice of the Global South, and the emergence of regional powers are giving concrete shape to a multipolar world order. This multipolarity is not merely a fragmentation of power; it is an acceptance of the diversity of ideas, values, civilizations, and development models. The four principles mentioned in the recent joint statement issued by China and Russia, “openness and inclusiveness, indivisibility of security, democratization of international relations, and diversity of civilizations,” present the theoretical foundation of this new worldview.
In this changing context, Nepal needs to identify its place. Nepal is situated between two major economies, China and India. Its geopolitical location certainly makes it sensitive, but this can be transformed into an opportunity if Nepal is able to make its foreign policy and economic diplomacy multidimensional and balanced. In this context, relations with Russia can provide Nepal with additional strategic options and balance.
The most underutilized area of Nepal–Russia relations is economic cooperation. The volume of trade between the two countries is negligible. Yet the possibilities are immense. There is considerable scope for Russian investment in Nepal’s hydropower, tourism, agriculture, medicinal herbs, minerals, and infrastructure sectors. Similarly, Nepal can benefit from Russian technology, especially in energy, mining, railways, information technology, space, and health. Hydropower is Nepal’s greatest strategic asset. Russia has long experience in hydropower generation and distribution. Through Russian investment and technology, Nepal can fully utilize its hydropower potential. Likewise, cooperation can also be expanded in agro-processing and food security, tourism promotion, and infrastructure development. In particular, considering the growing number of Russian tourists, Nepal can make its tourism infrastructure more friendly to Russian-speaking visitors. To turn these possibilities into reality, both countries need to take concrete initiatives. Legal foundations such as trade agreements, investment protection agreements, double taxation avoidance agreements, and air service agreements must be prepared. At the same time, an environment should be created for contact and cooperation between the private sectors of both countries.
As important as diplomatic and economic relations are, people-to-people relations are no less important. Educational and cultural cooperation between Nepal and Russia has helped take this relationship down to the level of the people. Nepali students who have returned after studying under Russian government scholarships are serving as living bridges between the two countries. Institutions such as Mitra Kunja and the Nepal–Russia Literary Association have continued cultural exchanges. There is abundant scope to expand this cooperation further. University-level exchange programs, joint research projects, language teaching, literary translation, film festivals, cultural visits, and sports exchanges can further deepen relations between the peoples of the two countries. In particular, the study of Russian language and literature can introduce Nepali students and intellectual circles to the richness of Russian civilization.
Nepal has traditionally pursued a non-aligned and balanced foreign policy. Maintaining balance between its two large neighbors, China and India, has remained a central challenge of Nepal’s diplomacy. However, a balanced foreign policy does not mean merely balancing between two neighbors; it also means maintaining equal distance or closeness with all friendly nations of the world. Russia is an old and reliable friend of Nepal. As a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a major supporter of the multipolar world order, Russia can play an important role in protecting Nepal’s national interests and sovereignty. Nepal, too, has supported Russia’s just position in international forums. This is a relationship of mutual respect and cooperation. In today’s multipolar world, Nepal should not confine its relations with Russia to traditional diplomatic formalities alone. It should make them multidimensional, practical, and future-oriented. Russia can be an important partner for Nepal’s energy security, technology transfer, educational development, infrastructure construction, and regional stability.
The following steps can be taken to elevate Nepal–Russia relations to a new height. First, the exchange of high-level political visits should be increased. Regular high-level visits help build political trust and an environment for cooperation. Second, legal and institutional foundations should be prepared to promote bilateral trade and investment. Trade agreements, investment protection agreements, and double taxation avoidance agreements are necessary for this. Third, educational and technical cooperation should be expanded. The number and fields of Russian scholarships can be expanded, joint research programs can be conducted, and cooperation in technical education can be strengthened. Fourth, cultural and people-to-people relations should be reinforced. Relations between the peoples of the two countries can be deepened through language, literature, art, music, cinema, and sports. Fifth, cooperation in multilateral forums should be made more effective. In the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, and other international platforms, the two countries can coordinate and cooperate on matters of shared concern.
The seven-decade-long relationship between Nepal and Russia has shown that differences in geography, size, and power are not obstacles to friendship and cooperation. Relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect, trust, and shared interests. In today’s multipolar world, there are both opportunities and challenges in taking this relationship to a new height. The four principles of new international relations proposed by China and Russia, “openness and inclusiveness, indivisibility of security, democratization of international relations, and diversity of civilizations,” also provide guidance for the future of Nepal–Russia relations. These principles envision international cooperation based on the equal status of all nations, large and small, mutual benefit, and shared development.
Nepal, too, should make its relations with Russia multidimensional and future-oriented by placing its national interest, sovereignty, and development aspirations at the center. This occasion of the 70th anniversary is not merely a moment for celebration, but also an opportunity to express new commitments and set new goals for the future. The world order stands on the threshold of transformation. In this transformation, cooperation between old friends such as Nepal and Russia can write a new chapter of shared prosperity and stability. What is needed is firm determination, a clear vision, and bold steps.
