A major refocusing of Nepal’s foreign policy and its diplomatic apparatus is long overdue in light of the momentous changes in the security, diplomatic and economic environments across the globe. We need a paradigm shift in foreign policy to build an inclusive post-Jana Andolan II Nepal with due consideration to international economic and diplomatic support.

Our foreign policy and diplomatic apparatus has been staggering in the absence of proper direction, unstable leadership, neglect and poor coordination. Economic diplomacy, post-conflict support, Bhutanese refugees, among other issues, have been neglected. Ad hocism continues to be the rule. Lack of adequate institutional strengthening and appointment of ambassadors on the basis of patronage rather than competence continues to damage the nation. And there is no consensus on foreign policy. Contentious border and water resources issues have been handled poorly. Donors are on a “wait and see” mode.

A foreign policy shift must balance continuity with changes to benefit from India, China, and rest of the world. Preserving national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; enhancing friendly and mutually beneficial relations with nation states and international organisations; and building good image of Nepal need to be our main objectives. In addition, attracting resources to build an inclusive and prosperous Nepal will be equally crucial. Indo-Chinese ties have been warming up. Nepal, as a “yam between two boulders”, deserves a piece of the pie. But this will only be achieved by fine-tuning our policies with current reality of fast changing borders under the weight of endogenous and exogenous politico-economic developments. We must also consolidate our relations with other countries.

Globalisation and free trade offer tremendous potential for poverty reduction and development but they also bring uncertainties. Hence, economic diplomacy must receive high priority. First, we need to extract maximum benefit from WTO, SAARC, EU, US and the dynamic economies of India and China. Second, Nepal needs to attract significant foreign direct investment in water resources, tourism and infrastructure. Third, we need to promote foreign employment. Fourth, we should promote tourism and market Nepali products, introduce poverty reduction strategies, focus on trade and commerce and carpet and garment exports. Fifth, foreign technical and financial assistance, particularly grants, should be mobilised. We should also be able to draw support for post-conflict rebuilding, including relief efforts, reconstruction and rehabilitation.

The foremost need is to build a consensus on foreign policy. Important issues like national security, water resource management, river-linking, energy, border demarcation — including Kalapani and Susta — and regulation of illegal activities on borders demands consensus and greater clarity. It must assure proper review of implications of past treaties and conventions, development of proper framework and national debate for undertaking treaties

and agreements in the future. Policy for the employment of surplus security personnel, including the Maoists, and their inclusion in the UN peace-keeping missions and other security purposes, should also be formed. We also need a clear stand on the Bhutanese and Tibetan refug-ees.

We must develop well-defined policies and our diplomats must be informed about conflict resolution, peace building, cross-border terrorism and proliferation of arms.

There must be provisions to lobby for important UN and international agency positions. The issues of donor funding, investment, refugee repatriation, etc, are important for the missions based in the UN and the capitals of important nations. Other important foreign policy matters concern Millennium Development Goals, environment, indigenous populations, girl trafficking and gender issues. Human rights is also an important issue. There should be specific criteria for the appointment of ambassadors and honorary consuls. Provisions must be made to offer easy consular services and develop the relationship between Nepali communities and embassies. Effective training and orientation must be designed for the newly appointed staff and ambassadors. The number and locations of the embassies must also be reviewed.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) and the missions abroad will have to work closely for better policy focus, backstopping and feedback. IFA needs professionalism. Missions abroad must be assessed for their potential and need. MoFA is overstretched in terms of resources, manpower and think-tank capacity. The government should not fail to redirect foreign policy and strengthen institutions to enhance international relations for the benefit of Nepalis.

Dr. Pudasaini deals with population dynamics