KATHMANDU, July 26: Political unease is simmering in Nepal following reports that the country is on the verge of signing an extradition treaty with India. The development, which comes in the wake of a recent Nepal–India home secretary-level meeting, has sparked concern among opposition leaders—especially as similar reports suggest the two neighbours are also preparing to expedite the construction of a high dam on the Koshi River.
Amid growing speculation and silence from the authorities, former Prime Minister and senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhalanath Khanal has stepped forward with a stark warning. Speaking at a public event in Kathmandu on Saturday, Khanal voiced alarm over what he described as two deeply sensitive issues with far-reaching implications for Nepal’s sovereignty and long-term national interests.
“Threats to Nepal’s sovereignty are escalating,” Khanal said. “If we enter into an extradition treaty without balancing our relations with both India and China, it will be another blow to our national integrity. All patriotic Nepalis must remain alert.”
Khanal cautioned that Nepal’s failure to strike a strategic balance between its two powerful neighbours could lead to consequences that undermine its autonomy and diplomatic independence. The idea of an extradition treaty—historically a politically charged topic in Nepal—has revived fears of unequal agreements and external pressure.
But Khanal’s concerns didn’t stop there.
Referring to ongoing discussions about a high dam on the Koshi River, he criticised the government’s opacity. The public, he argued, deserves full transparency on whether such a massive infrastructure project truly serves Nepal’s national interest—or whether it risks repeating the mistakes of the past.
“We hve seen this before,” he said, citing past agreements like the Sharada, Gandak, and Tanakpur treaties. “None of those deals benefitted Nepal. That’s why, before embarking on any new project—especially one as massive as a high dam—we must ensure our national interest is fully guaranteed.”
Khanal’s remarks come at a time when questions about Nepal’s negotiating power and sovereignty are taking centre stage once again. His comments reflect a broader sense of unease within sections of the political class, who fear that Nepal’s long-standing concerns about unequal treaties and one-sided deals could resurface if these agreements proceed without robust public and parliamentary scrutiny.
As talks around both the extradition treaty and the Koshi dam gain momentum, Khanal’s message serves as a timely reminder: Nepal must move with caution, clarity, and a firm grip on its national priorities.