Nepal's diplomatic relations with major regional powers

Nepal’s foreign policy is shaped by the influence of three major powers: India, China, and the United States. Historically, the United States was the first country to establish formal diplomatic relations with Nepal on April 25, 1947, following World War II. This occurred shortly before India gained independence in August 1947.

While Nepal shares deep historical, cultural, and geographic ties with India, formal modern diplomatic relations with India were established on June 13, 1947. Relations with China, which date back centuries through Tibet, were formally established on August 1, 1955. The geopolitical landscape of the region was further influenced by Nepal’s strategic location and the 1949 Communist Revolution in China.