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By Shashi P.B.B. Malla

Nepal’s foreign relations are in a state of apathy and gloom.

In the first place, there is an indubitable nexus between the domestic environment and the country’s external relations.

How can the miserable state of affairs in the country – above all the terrible Kathmandu Swamp – translate into flourishing foreign policy?

Many members of the current Oli government are tainted. How can they be effective in good governance which could spill over into the external realm?

Moreover, Oli himself has the atrocious habit of interfering in areas not part of his domain and where he has no inkling.

Lately, he has been challenged by former minister Sumana Shrestha of the previous government of lacking competence, and interfering in the appointment of the head of Tribhuvan University’s Sociology Department.

Very telling, Shrestha also noted: “It appears that muscle power is greater than intellect, and political parties are greater than muscle power” (my Republica, Aug.22).

The dismal state of domestic affairs is reflected in the fact that:

  • Milk producing dairy farmers have not received over Rs. 1.27 billion from the government;
  • Sugar cane producers are still waiting for Rs. 1.30 billion that they are supposed to receive in subsidies;
  • Around 300 local authorities, including the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, owe over Rs. 6 billion in unpaid electricity bills! (my Republica, Aug. 26).

Of course, K.P. Sharma Oli is in full command of the situation!

The Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana-Deuba herself is a controversial figure. She hardly brings any expertise to her portfolio.

Lately, she made an official visit to India and was accorded red-carpet treatment. But there is nothing unusual about this – it is normal protocol among close neighbours.

The main fact is that there was absolutely no breakthrough in bilateral issues of great concern to Nepal.

The main takeaway of the visit was that Modi approved of the new Nepali Congress-CPN-UML government! A reason for Deuba and Oli to rest on their laurels [Modi also supported the autocratic and corrupt government of Sheikh Hasina for many years – till he could not any more!].

Hanging in the air is also the significant question of the appointment of new envoys, some of them to very important countries.

The main criteria is that they should be well-educated and competent, and not selected according to party affiliation and ‘donations to political parties’.

The unwritten rule of appointments should also be strictly followed: the ratio of political appointments to foreign ministry share should be 60:40.

The new political appointments should on no account take up their duties without a vigorous course of vetting, instruction and guidance.

Most foreign ministers have not taken good care of their own institution. Career diplomats have not benefitted from in-house and foreign training, including in foreign languages.

The minister and the ministry would also gain a lot from regular and continuous inputs from foreign policy experts and think-tanks.

It is too much to expect that the present incumbent will do anything about improving working conditions for toiling diplomats.

The road ahead for all Nepalese is not only bleak – it is full of potholes!

All the Dons (leaders of the political parties) have lost their ‘mojo’.

And without ending the endemic toxic political culture, our people and our nation cannot realize their full potential.

The writer can be reached at: shashipbmalla@hotmail.com