Does Nepal need innovation in foreign policy?

Our leaders should have the political wisdom to optimise soft power and attract investment.

The classical concept of foreign policy saw it as the policy pursued by a state in its dealings with other states with the aim of achieving national interests. But many non-state, non-governmental and inter-governmental actors too pursue policies on multi-track levels with implications on foreign policy. This denotes that a careerist, status quoist and regime-oriented foreign policy cannot be a viable option to achieve national stability. Since foreign policy issues are high profile subjects, their governance requires multi-track engagements, professionalism and competence backed by strong policy inputs. Nepal, wedged between two Asian power giants, India and China, occupies a strategic pivot vital for them and other great powers. Its diversified ties with them help secure a balancing act, scope for sovereignty, international creditworthiness and an ability to adapt to shifting geopolitics.