The confrontation between President Trump and President Zelensky has sparked concern in Nepal regarding the implications of the U.S.’s ‘transactional’ foreign policy. Observers caution that Nepal may be pressured to compromise on its diplomatic stances, necessitating a reevaluation of foreign policy as international relations shift. Experts underline the importance of regional alliances and the geopolitical dynamics of relations between the U.S., India, and China for Nepal’s diplomatic strategy.
Kathmandu, March 1: The recent confrontation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House has raised concerns in Nepal regarding the implications of Trump’s ‘transactional’ foreign policy. Observers note that Nepal may now face pressures to compromise in future agreements, reflecting the U.S.’s expectation of concessions in exchange for support.
A retired diplomat, speaking anonymously, warned that Nepal must be aware of the potential to be pressured into altering its policy positions or compromising on its alliances. This new reality demands that Nepali leadership approach foreign relations with caution and foresight to uphold the nation’s sovereignty while engaging with powerful nations.
The U.S. has recently conditioned military aid to Ukraine on signing a rare earth mineral agreement, highlighting a business-oriented diplomacy approach. The tension between Trump and Zelensky stemmed from Trump’s expectations of Ukrainian gratitude and concessions. These developments have vast implications for Nepal, given the shifting international landscape.
Former Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey stressed that Nepal must adapt its diplomatic strategies to the evolving dynamics of international relations, particularly given the U.S. administration’s focus on national interests. He advised that diplomacy should not exploit geography unduly to achieve foreign policy objectives, as this might jeopardize Nepal’s positioning in a complex geopolitics environment.
Leaders in Nepal, such as Shankar Pokharel of the ruling CPN-UML, are monitoring the decline in U.S.-Ukraine relations for pertinent lessons. He emphasized that countries should prioritize strong regional relations to safeguard their national interests, indicating that external support can be temporary and often self-serving.
Analysts posit that the U.S. may center its geopolitical focus on Asia, which heightens the need for Nepal to navigate relations with India and China prudently. The risks associated with economic rivalries may herald a new type of geopolitical conflict under the current U.S. strategy, underscoring the need for careful consideration of geographic realities in foreign policy decisions.
The tensions evident from the Trump-Zelensky encounter underscore the necessity for Nepal to reassess its foreign policy in light of evolving global dynamics. Experts recommend that Nepal prioritize pragmatic diplomacy and maintain a balanced approach in international relations with major powers like the U.S., India, and China. Overall, geographic realities must be a core consideration in Nepal’s foreign engagements as it navigates potential geopolitical conflicts and economic rivalries.
Original Source: myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com
