Nepal’s major political parties have highlighted distinct foreign policy visions in their election manifestos.
The Communist Party of Nepal–Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML) focuses on sovereign equality, independence, and peaceful relations with all nations, pledging stronger ties with neighbors, labor agreements, foreign investment, and job creation.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) advocates “balanced and dynamic diplomacy,” aiming to transform Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge” through strategic partnerships with India and China, enhanced connectivity, and development cooperation.
The Nepali Congress (NC) envisions a sovereign, peaceful, and dignified Nepal, promoting equality, mutual respect, and economic partnerships while raising Nepal’s global profile through its iconic heritage.
In its election manifesto, the UML states that it is committed to a foreign policy based on respect for sovereign equality, independence, and territorial integrity, grounded in world peace, coexistence, and friendship with all nations.
The document says: “We maintain respectful relations with all nations. We respect the sovereignty and independence of all countries and expect similar treatment from others. We believe in sovereign equality. We reject any encroachment or interference against the independence, self-determination, and territorial integrity of any nation.”
It also emphasizes adherence to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations, non-alignment, peaceful coexistence, non-interference, mutual understanding, cooperation, and the Five Principles (Panchsheel). According to the manifesto, the party stands firmly against war and in favor of world peace.
The document further states: “We will participate in all efforts inspired by dialogue and goodwill and make thoughtful contributions. Enhancing the dignity and pride of Nepal and the Nepali people is our objective.”
The UML also pledges to continuously strengthen relations with neighboring friendly countries, make them more cordial, and enhance mutual cooperation. It reaffirms its commitment to the principle of “friendship with all, enmity with none.”
“We do not wish harm to any of our neighbors and will not undertake any action that would harm them. We will cooperate with all friendly nations and with international and regional organizations,” the manifesto states.
To effectively promote labor diplomacy, the party promises to conclude bilateral labor agreements with all destination countries, including provisions for social security. The manifesto also pledges to promote foreign direct investment in productive sectors and increase employment opportunities within Nepal.
Meanwhile, the RSP emphasizes balanced and dynamic diplomacy in its manifesto.
The document states: “Placing Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interest above all, we will adopt a ‘balanced and dynamic diplomacy’ to transform shifting global geopolitics and the rise of neighboring powers into opportunities for Nepal’s development.”
It also pledges to adapt to the strategic interests of neighboring countries and changes in the global balance of power, transforming Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge” by ensuring national interest through trilateral economic partnerships and enhanced connectivity.
The manifesto says the party will renew the framework of development partnership with India so that Nepal can benefit from achievements in areas such as digital public infrastructure, high-speed and high-quality physical infrastructure, formalization of the economy, synergy between productive industries and the service sector, and the overall enhancement of state capacity.
With China, the RSP pledges to promote the mobilization of concessional financing for the construction of world-class infrastructure, implement state-directed targets and programs for economic and social development, and incorporate exemplary practices of inter-provincial competition as key pillars of partnership.
In its election manifesto, the Nepali Congress states: “We envision that Nepal will be recognized by the international community as a sovereign, peaceful, and dignified nation.”
According to the document, Nepal’s foreign policy will be grounded in national interest and the principle of sovereign equality. The party states: “Our relationships with neighboring and friendly countries will be based on equality and mutual respect, and such relations will be advanced on the foundation of mutual trust and economic partnership.”
The NC manifesto also promises to promote Nepal globally as a responsible and respected member of the international community, highlighting national heritage sites such as Mount Everest, Lumbini, Pashupatinath, and Janaki.
