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

Nepal’s incoming government has signalled it will pursue a more pragmatic foreign policy centred on national interests, as the newly victorious Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) seeks to recalibrate relations with both China and India after years of shifting political alignments.In its election manifesto, RSP pledged to pursue “balanced and dynamic diplomacy” with both neighbours, emphasising economic cooperation, cross-border connectivity and trade while transforming Nepal from a “buffer state into a vibrant bridge”.“Our relations with our neighbours and other countries will be based broadly on the national interests of Nepal,” Shishir Khanal, an RSP leader and newly elected parliamentarian, told This Week in Asia.“We will focus on economic and development diplomacy, where we will build relationships for the economic growth of our country.”Balendra Shah shakes hands with supporters after collecting a certificate for his victory in the election on March 7. Photo: AFPRSP secured a landslide victory in last week’s poll, an unprecedented feat for a party that entered national politics only four years ago.