The economic struggle driving Nepali citizens to foreign military engagement, particularly in  the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has raised concerns, with seven reported deaths and over 200  individuals still serving in Russian forces. Despite government efforts, the involvement persists  through unconventional paths. On a positive note, Nepal and Sri Lanka strengthen ties through  the Joint Commission, fostering collaboration across various sectors. The tourism industry's  positive rebound, marked by nearly one million visitors and a diverse global presence,  highlights its potential as a diplomatic tool, emphasizing the need for infrastructure  enhancement. However, as experts suggest, the preference for roads over railways brings  attention to strategic shifts in infrastructure development.
 

Timeline of Major Events

Economic Struggle Drags Nepali to Foreign Military

The participation of Nepali citizens in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has resulted in seven deaths  and over 200 individuals still serving in Russian forces. Notably, Nepali citizens are also  reportedly fighting alongside Ukraine against Russia. However, these involvements occur  through unconventional paths without government sanction or formal agreements. Despite the  government's multiple attempts to negotiate and deter Nepalis from joining foreign militaries,  these efforts have proven ineffective. 

The recent appeal of Russian citizenship after a year of service has attracted Nepali youths  seeking opportunities abroad. With limited options and increasing unemployment  domestically, Nepali youths participate in foreign battles without formal agreements with their  homeland. The government should, therefore, prioritize creating local jobs and addressing the  root causes leading its youth toward such unusual paths.
 

Nepal and Sri Lanka strengthen ties through the Joint Commission

The initiation of the Joint Commission between Nepal and Sri Lanka in December, marked by  the presence of Nepal's Foreign Minister, Narayan Prasad Saud, and Sri Lanka's Foreign  Minister, Ali Sabry, in Kathmandu, holds significance in bilateral relations. Stemming from  a 2009 agreement established during President Mahinda Rajapaksa's state visit to Nepal, this  development underscores a broad-ranging collaboration spanning trade, finance, agriculture,  industry, infrastructure, science, technology, and investment. The signing of the Memorandum  of Understanding (MoU) on Science, Technology & Innovation within the Joint Commission  manifests a targeted commitment to cooperation in specific domains. Both nations, as founding  members of SAARC and participants in BIMSTEC, demonstrated diplomatic unity and  contributed to strengthening ties within these regional frameworks.

The visit has solidified  diplomatic relations between Nepal and Sri Lanka, forming a robust foundation for their  ongoing collaborative efforts.
 

Nepal Tourism Boom

The positive rebound of tourism in Nepal, with nearly one million visitors and a notable  presence of Indian, American, and Chinese tourists, underscores the significance of the  tourism industry. This rebound, marking a substantial recovery from the pandemic and the third  time Nepal has surpassed one million annual tourists (previously in 2018 and 2019),  highlights the sector's resilience and potential as a diplomatic tool. The ability of Nepal to  attract diverse visitors showcases the global cultural exchange and positive perceptions it can  foster. Furthermore, as Nepal aims to become a premier tourist destination, the focus on  enhancing infrastructure and services becomes crucial. Leveraging unique offerings such as  remote stays, cleanliness, eco-friendly practices, and well-trained guides can solidify Nepal's  position at the top and contribute to building positive international relations through increased  tourism engagement. The tourism industry, therefore, serves as a vital component in shaping  Nepal's diplomatic and economic connections on the global stage. 
 

Nepal leans towards Roads over Railways

The acknowledgment of experts on the importance of roads rather than railways in Nepal  underscores the pivotal role of roads over railways in Nepal, urging a strategic shift towards  road expansion, construction, and maintenance. Nepal must carefully consider the benefits  while accepting donor funds and projects, advocating for thorough research and studies.  Despite the potential economic boost from railways, Nepal should view it through a  geographical lens, exploring alternatives such as ropeways, cost-effective domestic flights, and enhancing road infrastructure. In a policy dialogue series on 12th December, Dr. Minendra  Rijal, underlining the importance of prioritizing road construction, stated, “North-South  railway is the worst thing that can happen to Nepal.” The southern border for railways could  be considered, but the experts on the same series were skeptical about the feasibility of railways  in the northern regions. The endorsement of projects like the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung Highway,  Tatopani Highway, and Hilsa Highway underscores the potential economic development  achievable only through enhanced road connectivity.