Foreign Minister Khanal Outlines Nepal’s Foreign Policy Priorities at Indian Ocean Conference

At the international conference on collective responsibilities in the Indian Ocean, Foreign Minister Shashir Khanal clearly stated that Nepal’s foreign policy is based on sovereign equality and non-alignment. Speaking at the ongoing conference in Mauritius, he addressed the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on Nepal and emphasized the country’s commitment to peaceful conflict resolution. The event included foreign ministers from India and several other nations, and during one session, Khanal reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the United Nations Charter, emphasizing support for a rules-based global order. He also described Nepal as a bridge between the mountains and the sea.

Although Prime Minister Walendra Shah took office two weeks ago, the government has yet to officially announce its foreign policy. However, Foreign Minister Khanal has recently engaged in collective discussions with heads of diplomatic missions in Kathmandu. He underscored the necessity of not ignoring the Middle East conflict, explaining its profound socio-economic impact on Nepal. Highlighting the fact that millions of Nepali workers are employed in the Middle East, Khanal stressed that their safety remains a high priority for the government.

Mentioning that one Nepali has died and many others have been injured in the conflict, Khanal stated, “The effects of this conflict are not confined to that region alone; they are triggering global disruptions such as rising fuel prices, supply chain interruptions, and serious livelihood challenges. These issues are deeply linked to stability in the Indian Ocean and global peace.” He called for collaborative efforts to address challenges such as maritime security risks, disturbances in global supply chains, and increasing inequality, emphasizing that these problems cannot be resolved without cooperation and shared responsibility.

According to Khanal, this shared responsibility involves participating in a rules-based international system and working together for common interests under principles of international law, sovereign equality, mutual respect, and coexistence. He recalled Nepal’s policy of peaceful dispute resolution, stating that the country’s foreign policy is grounded in the United Nations Charter, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel), and non-alignment. “We support a rules-based world order where the rights of both small and large nations are respected,” he concluded.