In the third edition of the ‘Professor Yadunath Khanal Lecture Series’ organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, renowned Indian geopolitical expert Professor C. Raja Mohan delivered a lecture on Tuesday.
Professor Mohan emphasized the importance of learning from Beijing’s pragmatic approach to international relations, urging Kathmandu and New Delhi to set aside ideological differences.
In his lecture titled “Nepal-India Relations: Possibilities and Pathways,” Professor Mohan pointed out that despite the strained relationship between China and Japan, China has capitalized on Japanese investments to boost its economy.
He suggested that India and Nepal adopt a similarly pragmatic approach, focusing on economic benefits rather than ideological alignments.
Professor Mohan cited several examples to illustrate his points, including the nuclear deal between India and the US during Manmohan Singh’s tenure and the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project in Nepal.
He also highlighted China’s strategic flexibility in strengthening relations with both Russia and the United States as needed. He argued that rigid adherence to ideology often hampers bilateral relations.
He further remarked that South Asian countries are now facing a three-way competition among the US, China, and India, which creates complex dynamics for smaller nations in the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayankaji Shrestha, speaking after Professor Mohan, noted the deep historical ties between Nepal and India and urged collaborative efforts to resolve outstanding issues.
Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal opened the program by emphasizing the significance of the ‘Professor Yadunath Khanal Lecture Series’ in discussing Nepal’s current geopolitical context.
Who Was Yadunath Khanal?
Yadunath Khanal was a pivotal figure in Nepal’s diplomatic history, serving as Foreign Secretary, Ambassador, and Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs during a complex period marked by the Cold War and the emergence of new nations. After Nepal’s transition to democracy in 1951 and its entry into the United Nations in 1955, Khanal played a crucial role in establishing Nepal’s foreign relations and advocating for non-alignment.
Khanal’s tenure saw him serve as ambassador to India, the United States, and China. He was a proponent of non-alignment during the US-Soviet tensions and contributed significantly to Nepal’s foreign policy, emphasizing balanced relations with neighboring countries.
Former Ambassador Jayaraj Acharya, in his book “Yadunath Khanal: Biography and Thoughts,” described Khanal’s diplomatic strategies as a blend of Kautilya’s and Kissinger’s philosophies, adaptable to Nepal’s unique geopolitical challenges.
Khanal was also an academic, having studied and later taught English at Trichandra College in Kathmandu. His writings, such as “Nepal’s Non-Isolationist Foreign Policy,” provide insights into his thoughts on maintaining balanced relationships with India and China and navigating the complexities of international diplomacy.
The ‘Professor Yadunath Khanal Lecture Series’ honors his legacy by fostering discussions on topics critical to Nepal’s foreign policy and international relations, involving diplomats, policymakers, and scholars.
