Kathmandu: Experts shared ideas regarding how Nepal can strengthen its diplomatic negotiations with major powers on Tuesday. In a national seminar held by Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF) in Kathmandu, Madhu Raman Acharya, Former Foreign Secretary of Nepal, reflected on Nepal’s long history of diplomatic engagements, from the 1816 Sugauli Treaty to contemporary negotiations with major powers and said, “Diplomacy is the art of negotiation. It is give and take in all negotiations,” he said, quoting the late Yadunath Khanal.
Acharya observed that while Nepal’s earlier negotiations were centered on political security, contemporary engagements have increasingly moved into the economic domain—such as trade, transit, and investment. He pointed out that bilateral negotiations are no longer bilateral in the true sense; they are influenced by geopolitical currents. “Whether Nepal treats its geopolitical location as a leverage or a liability is a strategic choice,” he said. Highlighting China’s layered negotiation strategy that combines public diplomacy with high-level political deals, he warned, “Entering negotiations without understanding big powers’ strategic interests risks walking into a trap. Nepal must reiterate that no big power should use another to serve its own interests in deals involving Nepal.”
CESIF brought together experts and practitioners to discuss various dimensions of Nepal’s diplomatic negotiations in two different panels.
Shanker Das Bairagi, Former Chief Secretary emphasized that Nepal must shed its inferiority complex, understand the strategic interests of negotiating partners, and resist undue geopolitical pressure, noting, “We must achieve a coordinated national consensus on our interests before sitting at the negotiation table.” Madhu Kumar Marasini, Former Finance Secretary, highlighted those long-term strategic considerations like sovereignty and territorial integrity must be prioritized, and called for evidence-based negotiation practices. Dr Govinda Raj Pokharel, Former Vice Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, stressed the need for greater preparation during diplomatic negotiations.
Former Foreign Minister NP Saud shared insights from his official visits, observing that Nepal often signs agreements too hastily to showcase diplomatic success. He stressed the need for inter-agency collaboration to formulate well-rounded strategies based on rigorous analysis. “Foreign policy must be rooted in national consensus. It should not be reduced to a tool for domestic consumption. Only then, we will be able to achieve better negotiation,” he said.
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