Nepal’s new government signals shift in India, China relations

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Bibek BhandariMarch 11, 2026 at 07:03 AM

AI Summary

short article 1 min

Nepal's new government, led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is signaling a shift in its foreign policy towards India and China. The RSP, which achieved a significant victory in recent elections, aims to pursue a more pragmatic approach centered on Nepal's national interests. The party's manifesto pledges "balanced and dynamic diplomacy" with both neighbors, prioritizing economic cooperation, cross-border connectivity, and trade. RSP leaders emphasize a focus on economic and development diplomacy to foster the country's economic growth. This recalibration comes after years of fluctuating political alignments, with the RSP seeking to transform Nepal from a buffer state into a vibrant bridge between the two nations.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Balendra Shah 40% Shishir Khanal 60% China ×275% India ×275% Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) ×485% Nepal ×590%

Keywords

nepal 100% foreign policy 90% india-china relations 80% rastriya swatantra party 80% national interests 70% economic cooperation 70% economic diplomacy 60% political alignments 50% cross-border connectivity 50%