Nepal opposition cautions government against BRI loans, proceedings without consultation

Jun 28, 2024

Kathmandu (Nepal), June 28 (ANI): The lawmakers from the Nepali Congress warned the government against BRI loans and proceeded forward without consultation during the parliamentary meeting on Thursday. Opposition lawmaker and former foreign minister Narayan Prakash Saud, while addressing the house session, warned the government not to take loans under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) of China. The former foreign minister rather suggested the government accept the grants but in line with the provisions that Nepal has with other countries. The former Foreign Minister also took a jibe at the government for recalling the ambassadors despite the dilute geopolitical situation and ongoing tension, claiming it has diluted the image of the nation. Lawmaker Saud also suggested the government make decisions about BRI only after holding consultations with the opposition and all the parties present in parliament. The reaction from the opposition comes two days after the Nepali Prime Minister informed the parliament that the government intends to take loans, promising they won't exceed interest rates above 1 or 1.5 per cent. Despite the signing of the BRI framework, a copy of it is not available in the public domain. Raising the issue, Nepali Congress lawmaker Rajendra Bajgain on Thursday demanded a copy of the agreement signed between Nepal and China be made public.