The draft of the national commitment document presented by the new government depicts Nepal as a ‘buffer state.’ Diplomatic experts have expressed concerns that this characterization could undermine the country’s sovereignty and have called for corrections. Small countries situated between two competing powers are often described as ‘buffer states’ to reduce the risk of direct conflict between those powers. However, the government’s recently released commitment document transforms Nepal from a ‘buffer state’ into a ‘Vibrant Bridge’ connecting India and China, emphasizing a dynamic linkage.
The terminology has drawn dissatisfaction from diplomatic experts, including two former foreign ministers, who have indicated that the term will likely be removed before the document is finalized. A former foreign secretary cited examples where both India and China rejected the concept of a trilateral partnership, stressing that Nepal should prioritize its national interests when setting policies. Although informally used, the term’s appearance in an official document has highlighted a narrative of creating trilateral cooperation between China, India, and Nepal, expanding relational networks, and positioning Nepal as a bridge between the two powerhouses—an idea previously expressed by Kathmandu’s top leadership.
However, the inclusion of Nepal as a ‘buffer state’ in the government document, prepared based on all parties’ manifestos, has triggered dissatisfaction among diplomatic experts regarding the move initiated by the government led by the National Independent Party. Diplomat Dinesh Bhattarai, who has advised two former prime ministers, remarked, “Historically, we are a sovereign nation and have never wished to exist under anyone else’s security umbrella.”
