Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Diplomacy: A Strategic Approach to Cooperation with India and China
Image Source, PM Secretariat
While it has been customary for past prime ministers to meet with ambassadors, Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ garnered particular attention on Monday for holding separate bilateral meetings with the ambassadors of India and China.
After serving as prime minister for four months, Balen had his first opportunity to meet individually with the envoys from Nepal’s two key neighboring countries.
According to former ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai, the prime minister’s actions were appropriate and should have happened earlier, though the timing was somewhat delayed. “He is expanding such diplomatic dialogues after recognizing there may have been some weaknesses in relations with neighbors,” Bhattarai explained.
Bhattarai previously served as foreign affairs adviser to Prime Ministers Sushil Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Earlier prime ministers and senior leaders often faced criticism for breaches of diplomatic protocol with foreign envoys.
Since taking office, Prime Minister Balen had previously conducted only joint meetings with all resident foreign ambassadors in Nepal.
Thus, his breaking with the tradition by meeting ambassadors individually was viewed positively.
“However, this interpretation is not complete; while protocol must be observed, messages can be delivered cautiously and balanced,” Bhattarai added. “Priority must be given to neighbors through cordial diplomatic engagements.”
He further noted it is inappropriate for interactions with neighboring countries to be as limited as with other countries.
Productive Dialogue
Image Source, PM Secretariat
According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, the discussions with the Indian ambassador covered “bilateral friendship, mutual interests, development partnerships, and various aspects of cooperation between Nepal and India.”
Prime Minister Shah emphasized the need to deepen the historic ties with India and work collaboratively in areas of shared interest.
“Ambassador Srivastava extended his congratulations and expressed a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation,” the secretariat stated.
Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava tweeted two photos following the meeting with Prime Minister Balen.
In English, he wrote, “I felt honored to meet the honorable Prime Minister of Nepal this morning. We engaged in a deep and productive dialogue about the strong and multifaceted partnership between India and Nepal.”
He also conveyed warm wishes on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Prime Minister Balen.
Deepening Historical Relations
Image Source, PM Secretariat
The Prime Minister’s Secretariat also provided details of the interaction with the Chinese ambassador, describing discussions focused on “strengthening Nepal-China relations, promoting cooperation across sectors, and enhancing development partnership.”
Prime Minister Shah stressed deepening historic ties with China while cooperating on shared interests, the secretariat confirmed. Ambassador Mao Ming likewise offered congratulations and reaffirmed commitments to reinforce cooperation and bilateral ties.
The Chinese ambassador tweeted that the discussions took place in a friendly atmosphere, covering bilateral relations, practical cooperation, and matters of mutual concern.
He stated, “We have agreed to move forward with win-win cooperation that benefits the people of both Nepal and China.”
Evolving Balen Signals Potential Neighbor Visits
Image Source, FB/Sishir Khanal
Ambassadors have been meeting with government ministers, but according to diplomat Bhattarai, this has not fully mobilized diplomatic relations with the important neighboring countries.
He stated that neighbors and friendly countries expect to receive messages directly from the head of government or senior leadership for reassurance.
“The meetings held by the prime minister have been positive,” Bhattarai said. “We believe that progressing these engagements would yield even greater benefits.”
Previously, after Prime Minister Balen raised protocol concerns and did not set meeting times, the Indian foreign secretary reportedly canceled a scheduled visit to Nepal.
These recent ambassador meetings indicate that the prime minister, initially adopting a firm stance, has now shown flexibility and adapted policy based on experience.
Image Source, Naveen Srivastava/X
There is also an indication that Prime Minister Balen has signaled openness to official visits to the neighboring countries.
Former ambassador Dinesh Bhattarai interprets this as a sign of policy adjustment by Balen.
“Ambassadors may not always fully understand the messages their governments wish to convey through the prime minister,” he said. “But these meetings can ease the diplomatic atmosphere and help pave the way for visits.”
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