The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is set to adopt a foreign policy focused on ‘development and vibrant presence on the global stage’. In a political report presented at the closing session of the first general convention in Bharatpur on Tuesday, President Lamichhane said that the RSS is committed to an independent, balanced and national interest-centered foreign policy, considering the national interests defined by the Constitution of Nepal – independence, sovereignty, geographical integrity, national self-respect, border security, citizens’ rights and interests and economic prosperity – as the basic guidelines for foreign policy.

President Lamichhane said that the party will remain committed to the United Nations Charter, the principles of Panchasheel, the spirit of the Non-Aligned Movement, international law and the sovereign belief of world peace, while also embracing the reality of the changing world order. In the report, he said, ‘In our view, foreign policy is not just a matter of managing diplomatic relations, but also a means of national development, economic transformation, investment attraction, trade expansion, technology transfer and international partnership. Therefore, the RSP aims to establish development diplomacy at the center of foreign policy rather than traditional power-centric diplomacy.'

Stating that Nepal is located between the world's two emerging economic and strategic powers, India and China, from a geopolitical perspective, President Lamichhane said, 'The RSP is confident that this geographical situation should and can be used as an opportunity, not a weakness. We have a long-term vision of developing Nepal as a 'living bridge' of economic, cultural, trade and human relations connecting South Asia and the Himalayan region, not a passive field of competing influence.'

President Lamichhane also stated that relations with neighboring countries will be based on mutual respect, equality, trust and common interests. He further said, 'Maintaining balanced, stable and pragmatic relations with both India and China and expanding cooperation in the areas of trade, infrastructure, energy, tourism, education, technology and regional connectivity is our priority. We are determined to find solutions to the issues of border management, border disputes and historical treaties and agreements through facts, evidence, international practice and institutional dialogue, not emotional debates.’ President Lamichhane also said that the NCP is in favor of expanding relations with all friendly countries of the world on the basis of national interest, mutual benefit and universal equality. ‘We believe that Nepal’s international role should be strengthened through partnership, strategic balance and autonomous decision-making capacity, not unnecessary inclination or dependence on any power center. In the changing world environment, we are committed to establishing Nepal as an active and effective voice on new international issues such as climate change, energy security, supply chain, technology governance, cyber security and migration,’ he said. 

President Lamichhane mentioned in the report that Nepalis spread across the world are the most important source of Nepal’s soft power. ‘The NCP views the Nepali diaspora not only as a source of remittances, but also as a carrier of knowledge, skills, innovation, investment, international experience and global networks. "Building a special diplomatic and policy mechanism to connect the intellectual, economic and social capital of Nepalis living abroad with national development will be our priority," he said. 

Lamichhane also claims that the RSP will act as a bridge to further strengthen the ties of non-resident Nepalis with Nepal and mobilize their knowledge, technology, investment and experience in the campaign for national prosperity. He further said, "A successful foreign policy of the 21st century is not just a policy of protecting borders. It is a policy of seeking opportunities, building partnerships and expanding the respect and influence of the nation on the world stage."