KATHMANDU, April 14: The government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah has unveiled a 22-page “National Commitment” document, presenting what it describes as a unified roadmap for governance reform and policy direction.
A key highlight of the document is its foreign policy vision, which prioritises safeguarding Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and national interests while adapting to shifting global geopolitics. It calls for leveraging the rise of neighbouring and global powers as opportunities for national development through a calibrated diplomatic approach.
The policy envisions transforming Nepal from a “buffer state” into a “vibrant bridge,” strengthened through trilateral economic partnerships and expanded regional connectivity. It also reiterates Nepal’s commitment to maintaining strategic neutrality as a sovereign, independent and non-aligned nation.
Net Neutrality in Nepal
Reaffirming its stance on global security issues, the document states that Nepal will avoid military alliances, arms races and conflict, and instead pursue a policy of equal distance and equal closeness with all countries. The guiding diplomatic principle is defined as “Nepal First: Nepali First.”
The framework also highlights economic diplomacy as a key pillar of foreign engagement, alongside continued initiatives such as the Sagarmatha Dialogue to enhance Nepal’s international profile.
Beyond geopolitics, the document commits Nepal to stronger international advocacy on climate change, Himalayan conservation and the concerns of landlocked countries, while also pledging enhanced protection for Nepali migrant workers through coordinated engagement with destination countries.
Officials say the framework draws its political legitimacy from the Gen-Z movement of September 8–9, 2025, which demanded stronger action on corruption control and improved governance. In the aftermath of elections held in that backdrop, a government was formed under Balen Shah’s leadership, securing 182 seats.
The newly released commitment aligns with the broader 100-point reform agenda issued on March 27 and consolidates election-time manifestos of six political parties that gained national recognition after the March 5, 2026 elections.
