Kantipur: Are we maintaining an equidistance between China and India?
Lok Raj Baral: No,I don't think that is the case. We have a friendly diplomatic relationship with China. But our ties with India run deeper and politically, socially, geographically and culturally we are
much closer to India.Therefore, our leaders must take these into account before making any statement.

Do you see the recent treaty with India as an indication of PM Bhattarai's 'pro-India' leaning?
Every Prime Minister in Nepal has been charged as being 'pro-India'. But in reality, BIPPA is just a treaty to assure foreign investment. We have done it with India, if possible we should have a similar treaty with China as well.

Does that mean that Nepal should become a commercial transit between China and India?
It is not a bad idea. Earlier, due to India's paranoia over its security we could not build Kodari highway. But things have changed now and growing trade between China and India has provided an opportunity for Nepal to cash in on its geo-political location. There is no point playing one against the other when we can get benefit out of both.

But can Nepal come out of 'big brother's' shadow to assert its pragmatic foreign policy?
Let us not keep blaming others for our own weakness. Nepali leaders must get over this cold war hangover and stop worrying about upsetting China or India. Yes, open interference by Indian diplomats in Nepali politics must be condemned. But in the present context, I feel India has come to terms with the fact that it cannot isolate the biggest political group in Nepali politics if it wants a healthy relationship with Nepal. Similarly, even the Maoists seem to have realised that good relationship with India is in their interest.

What about the difficult position Nepal finds itself in regarding the Tibetan refugees?
We are not a powerful nation. US can afford to defy the Chinese and meet the Dalai Lama. We have other things to worry about. Having a righteous stand is fine, but first we need to be stromg enough to take a stand and say we are doing the right thing.