Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah is preparing to meet the ambassadors of India and China this week, marking a significant shift in his diplomatic approach after completing his first 100 days in office. The move comes after Shah followed a self-imposed rule of avoiding one-on-one meetings with foreign envoys, choosing instead to engage ambassadors only in group interactions. According to official information reported by The Kathmandu Post and diplomatic sources, the meetings are expected to underline Nepal's balanced approach toward its two largest neighbours.
India Envoy and China Envoy to Meet on the Same Day
Officials from Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs are finalising the schedule for the meetings. While the exact timing has not been announced, Prime Minister Shah is expected to meet Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming on the same day. Government officials say the arrangement reflects Nepal's effort to maintain equal importance in its relationships with both India and China while continuing an independent foreign policy.
During his first 100 days in office, Shah consistently avoided private meetings with foreign diplomats. Instead, he held collective discussions with ambassadors on April 9 and May 29, departing from a long-standing practice in which newly elected Nepali prime ministers typically met ambassadors individually soon after taking office.
Foreign Policy Approach Expands
Shah's cautious diplomatic stance also extended beyond Nepal's immediate neighbours. He reportedly declined requests from the United States Embassy in Kathmandu to meet US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Samir Paul Kapur and US President Donald Trump's Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor. The decisions attracted attention because they differed from Nepal's traditional diplomatic engagement with major international partners.
Recent developments suggest the government is adopting a more flexible approach. Prime Minister Shah has resumed meetings with domestic stakeholders, including business leaders, exporters, contractors, traders and industrialists, signalling a broader willingness to engage with key groups involved in Nepal's economy and governance.
Government Responds to Public Pressure
The change in approach follows a challenging first 100 days for the Shah administration. The government faced protests over customs duty enforcement along the India-Nepal border and public demonstrations after the death of a ride-share driver triggered criticism of police handling of the incident. These developments increased pressure on the administration to strengthen communication with both domestic and international stakeholders.
Diplomatic observers believe the upcoming meetings with the Indian and Chinese ambassadors could help reinforce Nepal's commitment to maintaining balanced relations with both neighbouring countries while addressing regional priorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to release further details once the schedule is confirmed.
The developments have been reported by The Kathmandu Post, citing diplomatic sources and government aides, while Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs is coordinating the official arrangements. Readers interested in South Asian affairs may also explore related coverage on Nepal, India, China and regional diplomacy, along with country and city pages relevant to the region.
