The acceptance of the invitation had initially been viewed as a significant step toward improving bilateral relations between Nepal and India. However, Bhup Dev Shah clarified during a fireside interview on Kantipur Television that Prime Minister Shah intends to prioritise domestic public issues before engaging in foreign travel. He stated that development remains the central focus of the government, indicating that there is no dissatisfaction with India behind the decision. He further confirmed that the Prime Minister will not undertake any foreign visits this year.
The decision reflects a broader approach by Balen Shah to concentrate on governance responsibilities within Nepal. In addition to avoiding foreign travel, he has also decided not to participate in the upcoming general convention of the RSP. In an interaction with The Post, Shah stated that he would follow updates of the party convention like any ordinary citizen through news reports, underscoring his commitment to his executive responsibilities in government. He emphasised that official duties would take precedence over internal party engagements.
Experts monitoring Nepal’s foreign policy have interpreted this move as a departure from a four-decade-old trend. Since 1990, newly appointed Prime Ministers of Nepal have typically undertaken foreign visits soon after assuming office. For instance, in 2008, former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal visited China within a month of taking office, marking an early diplomatic outreach.
Given the open border between Nepal and India, the anticipated visit had raised expectations of facilitating trade and easing cross-border movement of people. From a diplomatic standpoint, such a visit was considered crucial, especially at a time when Shah is advancing governance and administrative reforms within Nepal. Strong ties with New Delhi were seen as potentially supportive of these developmental initiatives.
In June 2023, former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had visited India, a trip widely regarded as significant for strengthening India-Nepal relations. Against this backdrop, Balen Shah’s decision to defer foreign visits signals a notable shift in diplomatic engagement priorities.
The development underscores a strategic recalibration in Nepal’s governance approach, placing domestic administration and development at the forefront while temporarily stepping back from traditional diplomatic timelines.
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