Nepal unveils bold “Nepal First” foreign policy under Prime Minister Balendra Shah, prioritizing sovereignty, balanced diplomacy, and strategic partnerships with India and China, aiming to transform the Himalayan nation into a regional bridge for economic growth.
In a shift in diplomatic strategy, the newly formed government of Balendra Shah has proposed a bold “Nepal First” foreign policy, placing national interests, sovereignty, and economic development at the center of its international engagements. The move reflects a growing global trend of nation-first policies being adopted by governments seeking to strengthen domestic priorities amid evolving geopolitical challenges.
The concept, articulated as “Nepal First, Nepalis First,” has been included in a draft National Commitment Paper circulated among major political stakeholders. The document forms part of a comprehensive 100-point governance reform agenda introduced shortly after Shah assumed office on March 27. It signals a decisive attempt to redefine Nepal’s foreign policy framework while maintaining its long-standing principles of neutrality and non-alignment.
The proposal has been shared with six nationally recognized political parties, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Nepali Congress, Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist Leninist), Nepal Communist Party, Rastriya Prajatantra Party, and Shram Sanskriti Party. These parties emerged with national recognition following the March 5 elections and are currently reviewing the draft for further deliberation.
At the core of the “Nepal First” doctrine is the principle of maintaining “equal distance and equal proximity” with all countries. The government believes that avoiding military alliances, arms races, and conflicts will contribute to global peace while allowing Nepal to safeguard its own national interests. This approach aligns with Nepal’s traditional non-aligned stance but introduces a more pragmatic and flexible diplomatic outlook.
Nepal’s unique geopolitical position between India and China has historically defined its foreign relations. The new policy aims to move beyond the conventional perception of Nepal as a “buffer state” between two major powers. Instead, the government envisions transforming the country into a “vibrant bridge” that facilitates economic cooperation, regional connectivity, and trilateral partnerships.
The proposed strategy highlights Nepal’s intent to leverage shifting global dynamics and the rise of neighboring economies to boost investment and accelerate development. By fostering balanced and dynamic diplomacy, the government seeks to convert geopolitical challenges into opportunities for national growth. This includes strengthening regional cooperation and enhancing Nepal’s role on the global stage as an independent and neutral actor.
Despite its emphasis on balance, Nepal’s multifaceted relationship with India—rooted in shared geography, culture, and religious ties—remains a critical component of its foreign policy. At the same time, engagement with China continues to expand, particularly in infrastructure development and trade. The “Nepal First” policy attempts to harmonize these relationships without compromising sovereignty or strategic autonomy.
Importantly, the proposal also underscores Nepal’s commitment to maintaining its non-aligned identity while adopting a results-oriented diplomatic approach. The government has signaled that it will prioritize policies that directly contribute to economic prosperity, national security, and the well-being of its citizens.
Although the draft does not explicitly mention specific countries in its trilateral cooperation framework, it is widely understood that the focus lies on strengthening partnerships among Nepal, India, and China. Such collaboration could play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, trade, and regional stability in South Asia.
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As the draft National Commitment Paper undergoes further consultation, the “Nepal First” policy marks a defining moment in Nepal’s diplomatic evolution. If implemented effectively, it could reshape the country’s global engagement and position it as a key player in regional geopolitics, balancing tradition with modern strategic priorities.
