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Increasing visits to Nepal from America, of late, have raised questions among intelligentsia whether the Nepal-US bilateral relation is a continuation of the past or has taken on a new dimension.
I can perceive two things in it. First, some visits undertaken by US officials are necessary, for instance, USAID Samantha Power’s recent visit to Nepal. A whopping grant assistance deal had been sealed between Nepal and the USA last year.
Such visits would take place, in the past, too, after such agreements. Hence, these visits are natural. Officials under the Biden Administration do undertake introductory visits following their appointments. It used to happen in the past, too.
This is true because when US officials came to Nepal, they also visited countries like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India. Not a single visit has taken place exclusively to Nepal.
Second, there has been a slight improvement in Nepal’s geo-strategic position. One of the reasons behind is that whenever the international politics heats up, the importance of geo-strategic position of Nepal increases since it lies between two emerging power nations – India and China.
Any strategic change in the relationship between China and the US increases Nepal's importance. But, at the same time, when that happens, we will also get into trouble.
Some visits have taken place for geopolitical reasons, too. The recent Nepal visit by Victoria Nuland, US Under Sectary of State for Political Affairs, is one of them. Except Nuland’s Nepal visit, the other visits do not hold much significance. She is the most senior US diplomat. Similarly, the US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asia at the State Department, Donald Lu’s visit was also exclusively a political one.
When Chinese leaders visit Nepal, they are concerned about the MCC. They put forth questions about the MCC during meetings with the Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and the top leaders of the political parties.
Americans also visit Nepal and advise us to be careful. They tell us to take care of sovereignty while bringing in investment from neighboring countries. It is also their advice, suggestion, and warning, no matter how you understand it. In Nepal, there is such kind of competition among powerful nations.
The Nepali leadership has not exhibited the level of maturity to the extent it should show in the context of such a competition. Bilateral meetings are still taking place. Leaders say that something good has happened. But, where is our strategy to deal with the growing geo-political competition? This is a crucial question.
Prime Minister has been invited to the Summit for Democracy. He would take part in the summit if it were held virtually. But how will India and China will take it? We have no strategy for it.
It is an opportunity for a country like Nepal when there is a competition among powerful nations. Nepal has to capitalize on this opportunity to bring in investment, technology, and foreign grant assistance for development of the country.
However, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Finance have not paid their attention towards it.
Recently, National Security Advisor of India Ajit Kumar Doval, who went on an official visit to America, has signed a landmark agreement on security issues. It will have a long term impact. We should analyze what impact it will have on Nepal and how China will take it. If we do not analyze, the foreign visits will have no meaning, at all.
The next important aspect is the economy. There is a huge tread between Nepal and our neighboring countries -- India and China. Why aren't American companies investing in Nepal? Why are they opting for India and Vietnam for investment? Why aren't we able to attract Chinese manufacturing companies? Why are we importing only? I see a lack at the policy level and practical levels.
Prime Minister, Finance Minister, and Foreign Minister have to rework it.
Looking at the recent foreign visits to Nepal, there is no reason to worry. However, there are signs that mercury in international politics is slightly rising. Nepal should prepare, accordingly.
America has been assisting in the promotion of democracy, protection of human rights, and reduction of corruption. Nepal has been receiving this assistance for decades.
Judiciary, human rights commission, and security agencies are weak in Nepal. Investigation skills, training, and new technologies are lacking in our security system, and neither do we have that level of manpower. That's why we need support from foreign countries.
The competition between power nations has created both challenges and opportunities for Nepal. We should not get involved in any work or make such commitments against the interests of India, China, and America. We should avoid work that will aggravate our bilateral ties with these countries. We should work towards bolstering our constitution, democracy, and federal democratic political system.
(Based on a conversation with Vijaya Kant Karna, former Nepali Ambassador to Denmark, former Associate Professor at Tribhuvan University, and Executive Director for the Center for Social Inclusion and Federalism)
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