Nepal lacks diplomatic Professionalism!

-Col. Mehta

Nepal is one of the very few nations that seriously lack diplomatic professionalism. The Nepalese diplomats posted in Nepal’s interest abroad have a least knowledge of its host country’s history, culture, language or even political knowledge. Why does a State post people as their representative of their nation when he/she have a least knowledge or qualification to do the job? The political insufficiency and Nepal’s missions abroad are known to be less interactive in diplomatic sense and also a failure to do its job in a political correct manner.

I still remember the incident in early 1980’s when Nepal’s ambassador to United State was caught red handed shoplifting in a book store. When a store clerk called the security he offensively stated his ambassadorial position. It was then huge news in diplomatic circles and also around the world. It was a black incident for Nepal’s status due its political appointee who was appointed to bring Nepal in the world’s stage rather he hammered Nepal from the world’s state. King Birendra at the time had to recall the ambassador for his actions and was a huge embarrassment for the nation and its King.

Secondly, I recall the State Visit of Prime Minister Koilara in mid 1990’s in New Delhi. His team of expertise was nothing more than a useless bunch of people unaware of any diplomatic protocols or norms. In a state banquet hosted by the President of India, one of Prime Minister’s Koilara’s entourage ministers asked his Indian counterpart, what is his name? and how many children does he have? It was rather a foolish comment and an embarrassing position at the state banquet ever asked by any foreign dignitary.

There are countless many such diplomatic embarrassment by Nepalese diplomatic appointees. Nepal seriously lacks diplomatic professionalism. The nation needs not only change of political structure but also its very mind set. Many foreign nations have complications dealing with Nepal and its diplomatic circles. Firstly, the diplomats appointed are considered useless and secondly the diplomats have least knowledge and skills what is required of the position.

Nepal’s stand on the world arena is incomplete without a proper formulation of its leaders and its very organizational structure. It needs to re-frame the nation and need to approach its stances in a realistic and implementable manner. The present SPA and their allies are nothing more than a hurdle for its development. Nepal to stand true and wise, needs to address its diplomatic professionalism.