So far, it remains unclear what Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah’s long-term vision and intentions are. While some of his initiatives deserve appreciation, others raise serious questions. Even members of his own party appear uncertain about his broader political mission.
Our greatest concern, however, relates to the foreign policy of the present government. Questions have been raised about the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) leadership’s perceived closeness to certain Western groups, particularly those that advocate the Free Tibet movement. If the government were to align itself with such an agenda, it would represent a significant departure from Nepal’s long-standing foreign policy and could have serious consequences for the country’s national interests.
There has also been speculation regarding the possible birth of the next Dalai Lama in Nepal. If such a sensitive issue were to emerge, it could create serious security and diplomatic challenges for Nepal, given China’s position on Tibet and its status as a major global power.
Likewise, any move by the government to revive or sign the State Partnership Program (SPP), if perceived as undermining Nepal’s traditional security policy, could generate further strategic concerns. Nepal’s established foreign policy has long emphasized maintaining balanced and friendly relations with all countries, particularly its two immediate neighbors. It also upholds the principle that Nepali territory must never be used against any other country. Equally important is Nepal’s firm commitment to the One-China policy.
China has repeatedly conveyed the message that “a close neighbor is better than a distant relative.” How the Balen Shah government interprets and responds to this message remains unclear.
Nepal also faces a complex relationship with its southern neighbor, including longstanding border disputes and other bilateral concerns. How the present government intends to address these sensitive issues is another important question that deserves public clarity.
Given Nepal’s strategic geopolitical location between two major powers, the country must exercise great caution in conducting its foreign policy. At the same time, the government’s foremost domestic priorities should be strengthening the economy and ensuring transparent and accountable governance. Rampant corruption must be curbed, private investment encouraged, and the tax burden rationalized to stimulate economic growth and create a more vibrant economy.
The Balen Shah government appears to have placed considerable emphasis on improving economic indicators. However, there also appears to be a lack of effective teamwork within the Cabinet. Moreover, individuals serving as unofficial advisers—who hold no constitutional status—seem to play an influential role in government affairs. Such practices risk undermining institutional accountability and could ultimately weaken the effectiveness and credibility of the government.
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