Kathmandu, July 4 -- The formation of one of the most powerful governments in Nepal's recent history raised expectations of sweeping reforms, bold policy shifts and institutional changes.

It also put Prime Minister Balendra Shah's foreign policy under close scrutiny. As the government completes its honeymoon period of 100 days, the Rastriya Swatantra Party administration seems to have adopted some departures but only partially.

While Shah has broken with long-standing diplomatic practices by limiting direct engagement with ambassadors and visiting dignitaries, Nepal's core foreign policy priorities remain largely unchanged. Relations with India and China continue to dominate Kathmandu's external engagements with Foreign Minister Shisir ...