US Diplomat's Nepal Visit Signals Shifting Geopolitical Dynamics in South Asia

Kathmandu. Alice Wells, the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs in the Trump administration, is currently on a visit to Nepal. This marks the first high-level visit to Nepal since the formation of the government led by Rastriya Swatantra Party senior leader Balendra (Balen) Shah. Historically, India has maintained significant influence over Nepal's diplomacy.

Typically, India would conduct a high-level visit to congratulate a newly formed government, and while India had planned such a visit this time, the United States has taken the lead.