Nepal PM Balen Shah changes diplomatic stance:To meet Indian, Chinese ambassadors separately after reversing earlier policy

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah is set to hold separate meetings with the ambassadors of India and China this week, marking the first time he will meet foreign envoys individually since taking office. According to Nepali media reports, Shah will meet Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming separately on the same day. The meetings are being scheduled back-to-back to underscore Nepal’s policy of maintaining balanced relations with its two largest neighbours. While the Nepal government has confirmed that the meetings will take place this week, the exact dates have not yet been announced. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is making final preparations. Shift from previous diplomatic approach After assuming office, Shah had adopted a policy of not holding one-on-one meetings with foreign ambassadors, arguing that powerful countries often sought to bypass Nepal’s institutional processes by engaging directly with top political leaders. Instead, he preferred interacting with foreign diplomats only in group settings. As part of that policy, Shah declined separate meetings with several senior foreign officials, including India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, leading to the cancellation of his proposed visit to India. He also reportedly refused individual meetings with US Assistant Secretary of State Sameer Paul Kapoor and Special Envoy Sergio Gor. However, the prime minister now believes that the current geopolitical situation requires direct engagement with both India and China. Balancing ties with India and China Nepal has traditionally pursued a balanced foreign policy between India and China. India remains Nepal’s largest trading partner, with the two countries sharing an open border and deep historical, cultural and economic ties. Millions of Nepali citizens depend on India for employment, trade and travel. At the same time, China has significantly expanded its presence in Nepal over the past decade through investments in infrastructure, connectivity and energy projects. Beijing has sought to strengthen its strategic partnership with Kathmandu, while Nepal has continued efforts to maintain close ties with both neighbours. Diplomatic significance The meetings come as Shah’s government faces criticism over domestic political challenges and early policy decisions. Analysts say the move reflects a more pragmatic approach to diplomacy, signalling that the prime minister is adapting his earlier political stance to the demands of governance. Shah, who rose to prominence as Kathmandu’s mayor before becoming prime minister, had built his political image by distancing himself from traditional political practices. His decision to avoid one-on-one meetings with foreign diplomats was seen as part of that approach. The upcoming meetings indicate a shift towards greater diplomatic engagement with Nepal’s key regional partners.