Nepal voted in favor of a UN resolution supporting Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion, distinguishing itself from neighbors like China and India that abstained from the vote. This stance is consistent with Nepal’s long-standing policy against aggression by powerful nations. The evolving geopolitical landscape raises questions about foreign policy adjustments in response to new international challenges.
On February 27, Nepal voted in favor of a United Nations General Assembly resolution titled ‘Advancing a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in Ukraine.’ This decision stands in contrast to its neighboring countries, China and India, which chose to abstain from the vote. Besides Nepal, Bhutan and the Maldives supported the resolution, condemning Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine initiated on February 24, 2022, while Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka abstained.
The UN resolution, though non-binding, saw 93 countries voting in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstaining. Kul Chandra Gautam, a former UN Assistant Secretary-General, expressed pride in Nepal’s stance, highlighting its commitment to supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. He praised the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal for aligning with the principles of the UN Charter and Nepal’s constitution.
Nepal has consistently condemned aggression against smaller nations by more powerful ones, as evidenced by its prior opposition to Russia’s actions in March 2022, where it joined 141 countries against the invasion. The dynamics at the UN have shifted since then, with Russia’s allies increasing at the assembly, while countries like India and China maintain a non-committal stance.
The evolving situation raises concerns about the shift from a rule-based international order to one based on power dynamics, particularly for smaller countries. The UN resolution emphasized the necessity of respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty and accountability for international crimes, indicating increasing global discourse regarding territorial integrity amidst aggression.
Former Ambassador Deep Kumar Upadhyay suggested a revision of Nepal’s foreign policy to adapt to the multipolar world, where powerful nations are pursuing their interests, often at the expense of smaller states. He called for a policy dialogue to realign Nepal’s foreign affairs with contemporary global challenges, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making.
Former Ambassador Vijay Kant Karna emphasized that Nepal’s vote was not merely in support of Ukraine but a stand against any violation of national sovereignty. He remarked that superpowers generally do not influence Nepal’s voting patterns and have maintained distance in diplomatic responses.
Shambhu Ram Simkhada, another former UN ambassador, affirmed that Nepal’s position effectively supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and the quest for peace in the region. He noted the split within South Asia on this matter, with smaller nations siding with Ukraine while larger powers abstain, predicting that Nepal’s stance is unlikely to lead to diplomatic consequences.
In summary, Nepal’s recent vote at the UN demonstrates its commitment to upholding the sovereignty of smaller nations against acts of aggression. The nuanced reactions from regional powers reveal the complexities of international relations and raise the necessity for Nepal to adapt its foreign policy in light of changing global dynamics. The discourse on sovereignty and integrity continues to be a focal point as smaller nations navigate a new geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: risingnepaldaily.com
