RSP and Government Step Up Engagement with Nepal’s Two Neighbours

Dragon Media Correspondent

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and its government have stepped up diplomatic engagement with India and China. The party’s election manifesto proposed positioning Nepal as a “dynamic bridge” between the two neighbours.

The manifesto called for moving beyond the idea of Nepal as a yam between two boulders or a “buffer state,” and for building stronger links and cooperation between India and China through Nepal. After the proposal drew comment from various quarters, the party said it would pursue relations with friendly countries in a new way.

After returning from a five-day official visit to India, RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane said the country was moving away from unclear and opaque relations and pursuing a fresh approach. He said diplomatic issues in Nepal–India relations should be handled through institutions, above political debate on the streets, in Parliament and in the media.

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who also heads the RSP’s foreign affairs department, made an official visit to China in June. During his meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, the two discussed bilateral relations and cooperation. Wang stressed the importance of neighbouring countries and Nepal’s close ties with China.

Former Army Major General Binod Basnyat, an international affairs analyst, said the RSP had prioritised both India and China, though it appeared to give particular importance to India. Nepal’s open border, close people-to-people ties and other longstanding connections made stronger engagement with India natural, he said, adding that efforts to expand cooperation with China were also continuing.

Former ambassador Nilambar Acharya said relations with both neighbours had yet to reach the desired level. He said high-level visits and bilateral discussions were needed, adding that participation in international conferences alone should not be treated as a bilateral visit.

Lamichhane has also made a recent private visit to India following his official trip. Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle, Foreign Minister Khanal, Home Minister Sudan Gurung and RSP leader Manish Jha have also visited India. Preparations are under way for Prime Minister Balendra Shah to visit India, according to reports.

Government and RSP leaders have also continued visits and dialogue with China. A delegation led by RSP deputy parliamentary party leader Ganesh Parajuli returned from China in late Asoj. RSP spokesperson Jagadish Kharel, leaders Pramod Neupane, Manish Jha and Milan Pandey, and lawmaker Prakash Pariyar have also visited China. Another delegation led by party General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya is scheduled to travel to China after Tihar.

Lamichhane had been expected to visit China in September, but the trip was postponed. China has invited Prime Minister Shah to visit, though no date has been set. Basnyat said the government and the RSP were expanding dialogue and cooperation with China at various levels.