Nepal's Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli recently had a 17-minute discussion with Elon Musk regarding the expansion of Starlink services and extended an invitation to Musk to visit Nepal. Under the title "SpaceX Starlink Gwynne Elon Everest Nepal", SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell had earlier engaged in e-communication on October 18, 2024 with a proposal for collaboration with Nepal's PM.

As an entrepreneur, I have always been drawn to the idea of inviting global business leaders to Nepal, either through collaborative business ventures or charitable initiatives. Unlike political branches or their rigid supporters, I find myself standing at the crossroads of ideologies-torn between capitalism and a sense of responsibility for socialism. This ideological dilemma stems from my observations of Nepal's challenges: unemployment, a poor education system and insufficient healthcare services.

I have always sought to bring change-makers to Nepal. I remember encouraging Ricardo Semler, a global business leader and pioneer in innovative business practices, to visit Nepal. Semler, whose book "Seven Days a Weekend" is a game-changer, has transformed industries in Brazil and mentored icons like Ratan Tata. I also worked with my friend Jerry del Missier, who envisioned bringing Barclays Bank to Nepal for retail and corporate financing. Unfortunately, these efforts didn't materialise for various reasons.

In 2009, I facilitated a visit by HRH Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, often referred to as the "Arabian Warren Buffett". He spent four days in Nepal exploring opportunities in aviation and hospitality. While no agreements were reached in Nepal, we later visited Bhutan, where significant hydroelectric projects were signed.

In 2015, I attempted to invite Bill Gates to Nepal. At the time, Microsoft's data centre operations in India were facing challenges, and I saw an opportunity to bring a portion of their business to Nepal through the SAARC region. I proposed that the Gates foundation collaborate with Nepal on healthcare initiatives, particularly for monitoring pregnant women in remote areas.

Recently, I turned my attention to Musk and SpaceX. With Nepal's strategic location between China and India, I envisioned Musk's involvement in addressing the country's connectivity challenges through Starlink. Nepal's current telecommunications infrastructure is outdated, with tangled wires marring cities' aesthetics and unsafe setups in rural areas. Starlink, with its satellite-based internet services, could transform connectivity in Nepal, benefiting schools, health posts and community centres in even the most remote areas.

I initiated contact with SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell, who promptly responded. After multiple correspondences, Nepal's Prime Minister agreed to speak with Shotwell, but scheduling conflicts arose. While the PMO grew frustrated with delays, I was pleased to see the U.S. Embassy facilitate discussions between SpaceX and Nepal's leadership. However, it seems the Prime Minister's Office did not see the value of including a proactive member of parliament in these efforts, perhaps due to my affiliation with the Nepali Congress. This highlights some of the broader challenges in Nepal, where political considerations often take precedence over merit.

The conversation between Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Musk highlighted the interplay between business and politics. However, the discussion revealed deeper issues: poor communication infrastructure meant that Musk couldn't hear the PM clearly, and while Oli focused on American political dynamics, Musk remained committed to discussing Starlink's potential in Nepal.

Starlink's entry into Nepal also poses challenges. Telecommunications providers fear losing their market share, and there are concerns about regulatory hurdles, such as the requirement for 20 per cent local ownership in the communications sector. Starlink, however, prefers full ownership. Additionally, China views Starlink as a militarised technology, adding geopolitical tensions to the mix.

Despite these challenges, I remain optimistic about Starlink's potential in Nepal. Its satellite technology can overcome the physical and financial limitations of building and maintaining towers in the high Himalayas. Beyond connectivity, I see opportunities for innovative ventures, such as bottling oxygen from Everest for medical and commercial use, and promoting Nepal as a hub for global business leaders to engage with transformative projects.

High in the rugged hills of Nepal, where narrow paths snake through remote villages and connectivity is a luxury few can afford, a revolution is on the horizon. Starlink, the satellite-based internet service by SpaceX, promises to light up Nepal's darkest corners with uninterrupted internet access. Yet, this technological leap comes with a shadow – China's anxiety. To China, Starlink isn't just an internet provider; it's a tool with potential military applications-a system capable of bypassing terrestrial controls and enabling unmonitored communication, especially along sensitive borders like Tibet. For China, Starlink symbolises a geopolitical chess move, one that could subtly align Nepal with U.S. interests. In addition, India may have some concerns on the same.

Nepal, a small nation sandwiched between the geopolitical behemoths of China and India, has long walked a tightrope of diplomacy. For decades, it has relied on maintaining balance, nurturing its relationships with both neighbours while striving to keep its sovereignty intact. But the potential introduction of Starlink has thrown Nepal's delicate equilibrium into question.

Yet, rejecting Starlink to placate China could tarnish Nepal's image as an independent, sovereign state. The country risks being seen as a pawn in China's geopolitical strategy rather than a nation with its own agency.

Bajgain is an MP from the Nepali Congress. Can be reached at raj.gurkhaencounters@gmail.com