The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party has proposed “development diplomacy” as the centre of Nepal’s foreign policy.

In its political document presented at the party's first national convention in Chitwan, the RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane stated that the RSP aims to establish “development diplomacy” at the centre of foreign policy, replacing the traditional “power-centred diplomacy".

In the political paper, Lamichhane says foreign policy should be a strategic tool for promoting national sovereignty, economic prosperity, citizen welfare and Nepal's international standing.

“The national interests defined by the Constitution of Nepal—independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, national dignity, border security, citizens’ rights and welfare, and economic prosperity—serve as the fundamental guiding principles of foreign policy. RSP is committed to an independent, balanced, and national interest-centred foreign policy,” reads the political dossier endorsed by the convention.

The party says it remains committed to the UN Charter, Panchsheel principles, the Non-Aligned Movement and international law while adapting to a changing global order. It views foreign policy not only as a means of managing diplomatic relations but also as a vehicle for development, investment, trade, technology transfer and international partnerships.

Accordingly, the RSP proposes placing “development diplomacy” at the centre of foreign policy. The concept focuses on mobilising international partnerships for sectors such as education, information technology, agriculture, health and infrastructure while avoiding geopolitical controversies that have often accompanied foreign-funded projects.

As part of this approach, the party proposes learning from India’s advances in digital public infrastructure, economic formalisation and state capacity, while building structured partnerships with China through concessional financing, infrastructure development and socio-economic cooperation.

“Nepal is geographically situated between two emerging global economic and strategic powers—India and China. We believe this geographical position should not be seen as a weakness but as an opportunity,” reads the political paper. “We aim to develop Nepal not as a passive arena of competing influence, but as a vibrant bridge connecting South Asia and the Himalayan region in terms of economy, culture, trade and human connectivity.”

Relations with neighbouring countries, Lamichhane says, will be based on mutual respect, equality, trust and shared interests, with balanced and pragmatic engagement with both India and China. Trade, infrastructure, energy, tourism, education, technology and regional connectivity are identified as priority areas.