Nepal’s Foreign Minister Confirms BRI Will Be Implemented Based on Consensus

Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Deuba has reiterated that Nepal’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will be carried out based on consensus among all stakeholders in Nepal, emphasizing that the project will move forward according to mutual agreements between Nepal and China.

Speaking to the media at Tribhuvan International Airport on Saturday, after returning from an official visit to China, Dr. Deuba addressed the ongoing discussions regarding the BRI’s enforcement modality. She clarified that while Nepal signed the BRI project framework in 2017, talks are still ongoing about the specifics of its implementation.

“Nepal had signed the BRI project framework in 2017, but discussions are still ongoing about its enforcement modality,” Dr. Deuba stated. “Therefore, the BRI will be implemented based on the agreement and understanding between Nepal and China, and among all stakeholders in Nepal.”

The Foreign Minister also touched upon Nepal’s financial position, stressing that the country is not in a position to accept loans at present. She confirmed that discussions with China have focused on the possibility of funding the BRI project through grants. Dr. Deuba added that the ruling party, the Nepali Congress, has already decided to proceed with the project under grants, With their coalition partner, the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist Leninist (UML), being informed of this decision.