Nepal Govt Reaffirms Foreign Policy Focused on National Interests
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal says sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and economic prosperity will remain key priorities in Kathmandu’s diplomatic approach.
KATHMANDU, Sep 15: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Tuesday said the government remains fully committed to pursuing a foreign policy centred on the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and long-term national interests.
Addressing the House of Representatives, Khanal clarified remarks concerning the phrase “old baggage”, saying it was not intended to refer to Nepal’s history, national heritage, independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, protection of national interests or preservation of historical documents.
He was responding to questions from lawmaker Sita Thapaliya, who sought clarification on what previous government decisions had been described as “baggage”. She also asked whether Nepal’s constitutional recognition of a political map covering Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura fell within that description and what shortcomings the government had identified in the foreign policies of its predecessors.
Khanal reiterated that protecting Nepal’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national unity, autonomy, border security and national dignity remains an enduring responsibility of every government.
He said Nepal attaches considerable importance to its relations with neighbouring countries and other friendly nations. According to the minister, high-level diplomatic visits can contribute significantly to strengthening bilateral relations and creating opportunities for greater cooperation.
Addressing the issue of the disputed territories, Khanal said Nepal’s political map incorporating Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, along with Parliament’s unanimous constitutional amendment endorsing the map, reflects a shared national position.
He described the constitutional provision as a sovereign and constitutional document, saying it should not be characterised as a burden or “old baggage”.
Nepal and India have a longstanding boundary dispute concerning Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani. Nepal maintains that the areas form part of its territory, while India has said they belong to Uttarakhand and that outstanding boundary matters should be resolved through bilateral dialogue.
In May 2020, the government led by then Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli formally issued a revised political map that included Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura within Nepal’s territory. The map was subsequently endorsed through a constitutional amendment.
Khanal said the government intends to develop Nepal’s relations with neighbouring and friendly countries in a manner based on mutual respect, equality, trust and economic cooperation.
He further said the Foreign Ministry’s objective is to support national economic development through clear, mature and result oriented diplomacy. Such an approach, he added, would place Nepal’s national interests at the centre while seeking stronger international partnerships and opportunities for economic prosperity.
