Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, delivering the concluding remarks at the Fifth Edition of the Professor Yadu Nath Khanal Lecture Series in Kathmandu on June 29, 2026, said Nepal must respond to rapidly changing geopolitical and geoeconomic conditions with clarity, confidence and prudence. Reflecting on keynote speaker Dr Baburam Bhattarai’s address, Khanal highlighted intensifying major-power competition, supply-chain and infrastructure issues, technological change, artificial intelligence and pressure on the multilateral system as important developments affecting Nepal. He reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to the UN Charter, Panchasheel, non-alignment and peaceful coexistence, while stressing that non-alignment should involve active engagement and independent judgement rather than passivity or isolation.

Khanal said good governance, rapid economic growth and result-oriented development diplomacy are central government priorities, with Nepal’s diplomatic missions increasingly focused on trade promotion, investment, tourism, technology partnerships and market access. He argued that Nepal’s geography should be viewed not only as a geopolitical constraint but also as an opportunity to connect markets, people and ideas. Referring to recent engagements with neighbouring countries, he said discussions with India covered connectivity, infrastructure, digital cooperation, cross-border payment systems, education and emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, while talks with China focused on connectivity, energy, agricultural technology, customs modernisation and infrastructure. He stressed that Nepal’s foreign relations are not a zero-sum choice between partners but should be based on national priorities, mutual respect and shared benefits.

The minister also placed strong emphasis on the protection and welfare of Nepalis living and working abroad, saying the government has strengthened crisis-response mechanisms, communication and consular support amid conflicts and instability in different regions. Paying tribute to Professor Yadu Nath Khanal, he described diplomacy as an intellectual and institutional discipline requiring knowledge, judgement, competence and continuous learning. He said Khanal’s emphasis on clarity, prudence, balance and national interest, as well as the importance of national image and public diplomacy, remains highly relevant. Khanal concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to continuing the lecture series as a platform for informed debate aimed at strengthening Nepal’s foreign-policy capacity, national dignity and economic prosperity.