Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal Concludes Visits to India and China, Seeks Stronger Bilateral Ties

Nepal's Foreign Minister, Shisir Khanal, concluded a four-day official visit to Beijing on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, following a recent trip to New Delhi. During his engagements, he reiterated Nepal's desire to strengthen relations with both India and China, describing them as vital partners for the Himalayan nation.

In Beijing, Mr. Khanal held comprehensive talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as well as with Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Liu Haixing, Minister of the International Department of the ruling Communist Party of China. The discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including connectivity, border management, trade, technology transfer, and multilateral cooperation.

Mr. Khanal's visit to China came shortly after his trip to India, where he had stated that his government would accord the "highest priority" to relations with New Delhi. When asked whether the consecutive visits aimed to balance Nepal's ties between its two large neighbours, Mr. Khanal emphasised that both countries are equally important. "My visit was to indicate the importance that we give to both countries and we want to build on our existing relationship and also make it stronger and better and deeper than what has been in the past," he told the state-run Global Times.

The recent political shift in Nepal, with the Balendra Shah-led Rastriya Swatantra Party winning the March general election, ended the prolonged rule of pro-China Communist Parties. This transition had raised concerns in Beijing about the future course of Nepal-China relations. However, during the talks, Mr. Khanal assured Chinese officials that Nepal remains firmly committed to the one-China policy, supports China's efforts to achieve complete reunification, and will not allow any forces to use its territory to undermine China's interests.

Reports in Nepali media indicated that Chinese officials voiced concerns over Western influence in Nepal, particularly regarding the $500 million American Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact and the State Partnership Programme. When asked about these reports, the Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that international development cooperation should adhere to principles of mutual respect and equality, and should not interfere in internal affairs, impose political conditions, or engage in coercive diplomacy.

Mr. Khanal expressed gratitude for China's assistance and identified connectivity and infrastructure as top priorities for bilateral cooperation. A key focus was the Trans-Himalayan Multi-Dimensional Connectivity Network, which includes cross-border transmission lines and a railway project. The Chinese side has completed a feasibility study for the railway, and Nepal expects to receive the report by the end of June 2026. Issues such as border facilities, freight corridors, and capacity building will be addressed based on this report.

The visits underscore Nepal's pursuit of balanced and productive relationships with both India and China under its new government, with an emphasis on economic development and regional connectivity.