In a move that sends ripples across the intricate web of South Asian geopolitics, Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to embark on a significant visit to China next week, a decision that notably diverges from the longstanding tradition where newly installed leaders customarily make their inaugural foreign journey to India. This strategic choice undeniably elevates the stakes for the small but pivotal Himalayan nation, existing in a delicate balancing act between two regional giants.
Scheduled from December 2 to 6, the prime minister’s journey is expected to revolve around crucial discussions, including a pivotal request for a waiver on a substantial loan of $216 million that was allocated for the construction of the Pokhara International Airport. This airport, a crowning achievement built with financing from the Chinese government, has been a beacon of hope for international connectivity. However, since its grand opening in January 2023, it has astonishingly failed to attract any international flights, casting a shadow on its operational viability and raising questions about its future.
As the rhetoric surrounding this visit intensifies, the geopolitical implications of Oli’s choices could reshape not only Nepal’s foreign relations but also its economic trajectories, particularly in the context of modern infrastructure projects and their dependence on foreign loans. The stage is set, and the world watches closely as the prime minister navigates these turbulent waters.
