By Shashi P.B.B. Malla
Nepal does not have a specific foreign policy doctrine as such, but must/should pursue a foreign policy that is pragmatic and sustainable.
In the first instance, it should always protect the nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Physically, this is the task of the Nepal Army, and this institution has been doing an admirable task.
Not for nothing, do our major embassies also have a defence attache with the rank of full colonel, but it should be upgraded to brigadier-general.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs may be the institution representing our country vis-à-vis external powers and interacting with foreign governments and institutions – whether through their institutions and embassies in Kathmandu or our embassies in their own countries.
The political language of interaction is diplomacy.
This is a language that must be learnt and perfected. There are specific rules and regulations – the protocol which must be adhered to.
All Nepali institutions that have directly or indirectly to do with its foreign policy must always bear in mind that the nation’s national interests are upheld in all their interactions with foreign powers and their representatives.
Primarily, they should be guided by the national security architecture of the country.
Now, the national security of Nepal is a very broad term and encapsulates very many elements both domestic and external.
It is not only a question of physically securing the border and defending Nepalese territory.
The Nepal Army plays the role of deterrence.
Physically, it is no match for either the vast armies of either China or India.
This is where diplomacy comes in.
Nepal does not have one, but it is essential that the PM soon appoint a National Security Adviser (NSA), who is a bridge and coordinator among the various domestic institutions – combining foreign policy formulation and implementation.
He/She is, therefore indispensable for the domestic decision-making process.
The NSA’s role is, therefore, quite distinct from that of the foreign minister.
The current foreign minister, Dr. Shisir Khanal is doing an admirable job in articulating the foreign policy vision of the new government (vide Kamal Dev Bhattarai: “Nepal’s emerging foreign-policy doctrine. Three directions, one strategy.” The Annapurna Express, Oct 2-8).
The writer can be reached at: shashimalla125@gmail.com
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