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Kathmandu. Amidst the devastating floods in Nepal, India is continuously providing relief and rescue assistance. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal's statement regarding Nepal's foreign policy and India-China relations has come to light. He clearly said that Nepal cannot choose between India and China and ignore the other. Both countries are important neighbors for Nepal and Kathmandu wants to maintain relations with both keeping in mind its national interests.

When asked in an NDTV program about Nepal's inclination between India and China, Khanal gave a very interesting example. He said that both the countries have their own importance for Nepal and no one can take the place of the other.

He said, “Just like one cannot tell one's father that he will replace him with his mother or one cannot tell his mother that he will replace him with his father.” According to him, Nepal has historical and cultural relations with both India and China and it wants to maintain them further.

'Foreign policy based on national interest'

The Foreign Minister said that Nepal is a sensitive society, but it has to adopt a logical approach in matters of foreign policy. He clarified that Nepal does not decide its foreign policy under the pressure of any third country, rather its decisions are based on national interest.

Khanal also rejected the discussions going on in the Indian media in which it was being said that Nepal is coming under the influence of China. He said that Nepal has old cultural and trade relations with China, but it does not mean that Nepal is under the control of any one country.

India has a big stake in Nepal's trade

Referring to Nepal's economic relations, the Foreign Minister said that India is its biggest trading partner. According to him, about two-thirds of Nepal's total trade is with India.

He said that if Chinese companies are increasing their economic activities in Nepal, then Nepal also wants to increase the participation of Indian companies. Inviting Indian investors to do business and investment in Nepal, he said that the government is ready to provide them necessary facilities.

What did Khanal say about BRI?

Nepali Foreign Minister also clarified the position regarding China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He said that Nepal had signed the BRI Framework Agreement in the year 2017, but in almost a decade thereafter, Nepal has received zero dollars of financial assistance under BRI projects.

His statement is being considered important in the context of the ongoing discussions regarding Nepal's economic relations with China.

Nepal invites Indian investors

Shisir Khanal said that Nepal wants to further advance economic cooperation with India. He said that a framework agreement has been signed between the two countries regarding export of 10,000 MW electricity from Nepal.

He also said that about one billion dollars worth of IT and tech services have been exported from Nepal in recent years. In such a situation, there is huge potential for investment in the field of technology and digital services.

According to the Foreign Minister, Nepal needs huge investment to improve air and road connectivity and there are ample opportunities for Indian companies in this sector.

Policy of balance between India and China

Nepal is geographically located between India and China. In such a situation, it has always been important for Kathmandu to maintain balance in relations with both the neighbours. Khanal's latest statement also indicates that instead of joining one camp, Nepal is emphasizing on the policy of maintaining relations with both India and China in accordance with its interests.