Bimalendra Nidhi: BRI Agreement Requires National-Level Discussion Before Signing

Nepali Congress leader and Member of Parliament Bimalendra Nidhi has stressed the importance of comprehensive, national-level discussions before Nepal signs any agreements under China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Speaking to media in Janakpur on Friday, Nidhi expressed concerns over hasty decision-making and underscored the need for careful deliberation to ensure Nepal’s interests are safeguarded.

“Agreements should not be made hastily, only to regret later. The BRI is a Chinese policy, and we are closely watching what unfolds during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s upcoming visit to China,” said Nidhi.

He emphasized that the Nepali Congress has consistently maintained its stance of only accepting grant-based assistance for development projects under the BRI framework, rejecting the idea of loans.

Nidhi reiterated his party’s official position, stating that any engagement with China under the BRI must align with Nepal’s economic priorities. “We will not take loans under the BRI. Grants are acceptable, but loans are not. Our party president, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has already communicated this to the Prime Minister,” Nidhi explained.

He highlighted the need for a detailed and transparent review of the BRI’s implications for Nepal, suggesting that a comprehensive discussion at the national level is vital to assess whether the initiative serves Nepal’s long-term interests.

As a member of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, Nidhi advocated for in-depth scrutiny of the BRI’s terms and scope.

“Is the BRI truly in Nepal’s interest? What are the specific issues embedded in the BRI policy? These questions demand a full-fledged debate. It is not just about agreeing to something; it’s about ensuring that the agreement aligns with Nepal’s national priorities and strategic concerns,” Nidhi stated.

With Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli set to visit China on December 2, Nidhi’s comments reflect growing calls for clarity and caution in negotiations related to the BRI. The visit is expected to include discussions on the implementation of BRI-related projects, but the opposition Nepali Congress has raised concerns about taking on additional financial burdens.

Nidhi’s remarks underline a broader debate within Nepal about the BRI’s implications for sovereignty, debt sustainability, and developmental priorities. He warned that any agreements made without thorough review could risk Nepal’s economic stability.

Concluding his remarks, Nidhi called for unity and national consensus on the BRI, asserting that Nepal must avoid making unilateral decisions.

“The BRI should be debated at the national level. It’s not just about development but about ensuring that such partnerships benefit Nepal in a sustainable and strategic way,” he said.

His comments are likely to fuel ongoing discussions about the role of foreign investments and loans in shaping Nepal’s development trajectory, particularly as the nation navigates its partnership with China.