11 May Kathmandu The move by Prime Minister Balendra Shah to stop holding one-on-one meetings with foreign diplomats and senior officials of international bodies has sparked a growing debate among political analysts, diplomats and foreign policy experts in Nepal. 

While some observers have praised Shah for his efforts to strengthen diplomatic norms and end the culture of informal political dealings, others have argued that a complete refusal to engage directly with foreign officials might eventually result in diplomatic complications for Nepal.

Soon after he assumed the office, Prime Minister Shah altered the way Nepal engaged in diplomacy.

Instead of holding separate courtesy meetings with ambassadors of influential countries — a long-standing practice in Nepali politics — Shah called a joint briefing session for the diplomats on the government’s priorities.

The move was seen by many as an effort to:

- Make diplomacy institutional

- Minimize political backdoor influence

- Enhance the role of the Foreign Ministry

- Smash the informal diplomatic lobbying culture

The government also tightened enforcement of Nepal’s diplomatic code of conduct, demanding more official coordination through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

While many welcomed the attempt to professionalize diplomacy, experts now say the policy may need a more balanced and flexible approach.

Analysts say: “

- Not every foreign official has to meet face-to-face with the prime minister

- But the complete lack of diplomatic meetings may send the wrong signals internationally

The Kathmandu Post editorial said that while Shah “need not meet every foreign official,” a blanket refusal may not be strategically wise for Nepal’s long-term foreign relations.

Some experts warn that diplomacy is often not only about formal institutions but also about:

- Political communication for personal

- Building trust

- Relationship management strategy

Nepal's foreign policy is particularly delicate because of its location between:

- India

- CHINA.

and maintaining relations with:

- U.S.

- EU

- Russia;

- Other international partners

Foreign policy experts say Nepal cannot afford to stay diplomatically distant for long from key international players, especially during times of geopolitical competition in South Asia.

Recent reports also indicated that Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s scheduled Nepal visit was delayed amid ambiguity over high-level meetings with the prime minister.

Past administrations have often allowed foreign diplomacy to become too personal and politically driven, say Shah’s supporters.

The new policy is intended to: say officials close to the government

- Uphold national dignity

-Strengthen institutional processes

- Provide diplomatic transparency

- No outside state systems back door negotiations

The Foreign Ministry has also increased diplomatic orientation programs for ministers and bureaucrats to ensure observance of proper protocol.

The Nepalese public opinion has been divided.

Some citizens commend Shah for:

- Demonstrating independence

- Break Foreign Domination

- Focusing on domestic governance vs. international optics

Others fear that excessive diplomatic isolation might:

Slash Nepal’s international engagement

- Cause mis-understandings with friendly countries

- Slow cooperation and opportunities for foreign investment

Nepal, political analysts say, needs to strike a balance between sovereignty and practical diplomacy.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s diplomatic style has begun to change the political culture and foreign engagement style of Nepal in significant ways.

But increasingly experts are arguing that while there is a need for an increased diplomatic discipline, Nepal’s foreign policy, in the end, will have to be more flexible, nuanced, and selectively engaging rather than disengaged from foreign officials altogether.

Tags: Balendra Shah, Nepal Foreign Policy, Nepal Diplomacy, PM Shah, Foreign Relations Nepal

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