The narrative Nepal as ‘a yam between two boulders’ serves as a pivotal point of departure of Nepal’s foreign relations. This concept traces back to Nepal’s 18th-century unification, reflecting its historical tendency toward a defensive posture driven by survival instincts. This defensive stance was shaped by the prevailing world affairs driven by hard-power and the principle of ‘might is right’, notably evidenced by the bordering neighbor’s dominance of China to the north and the British East India Company’s control over kingdoms in India to the east, west, and south.

In the 21st century, a new perspective as the dynamic bridge has gained momentum, emphasizing economic strategies. Can Nepal evolve into a dynamic bridge linking the emerging powers of China and India? If so, what precise strategies and policies should it pursue to leverage the growing economic influence on the global stage while navigating the strategic challenges of fostering trust and confidence in this modern era? This opens avenues for exploring Nepal’s role in shaping regional dynamics and its path to economic prosperity amidst geopolitical complexities.