Despite Nepal signing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) framework agreement with China in May 2017, no projects have been developed under the initiative, raising doubts about whether any will materialize. Geopolitical pressures have influenced Nepal's political parties, leading to uncertainty about potential BRI projects.

During Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Nepal in October 2019, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing BRI implementation. However, Nepal has yet to select or develop any project under this program. The Nepali Congress’ decision not to pursue BRI projects funded by Chinese loans has further complicated the situation, casting uncertainty over the future of the BRI implementation plan, which is currently under bilateral discussion.

Parliamentarians and experts during an event organized by the Nepal-China Friendship Forum in the capital on Wednesday expressed concerns over the government’s lack of action on agreements with China, including the BRI. Former minister Anand Pokharel criticized the government for its inaction, stating, "It is a shame for Nepal that none of the agreements made five years ago during President Xi's visit, including those on the BRI, have been implemented due to the government's lack of preparedness."

Although the BRI implementation plan is reportedly under discussion, no details have been made public. With the Congress party opposing Chinese loans for BRI projects, concerns have emerged about potential debt-related issues. Congress leader Arju Rana Deuba, who serves as foreign minister, has not commented on this matter. Before the formation of the current government, former Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal made it clear in Parliament that Nepal would not accept Chinese loans with high interest rates. "Our priority is securing grants, and if loans are necessary, they should not exceed the interest rates offered by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or the World Bank," Dahal stated, adding, "We will seek grants first. If we must take loans, they should not be higher than 1 percent or 1.5 percent."

Dahal has not addressed the issue since leaving office, and the Congress party continues to reject loans, even at lower interest rates. Congress leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat recently explained, "Nepali Congress intends to utilize the aid promised by China in the first phase," while indicating that low-interest loans could be considered in the second phase.

Former Minister Pokharel suggested that China should provide subsidies for such projects. "Close discussions between the two countries are necessary," he added.

Nepali Congress MP Shankar Bhandari expressed disappointment that the agreements made during Xi’s visit have not been effectively implemented, especially in a lease developed country like Nepal. "The BRI agreements should be implemented," he urged.

RPP MP Dhruva Bahadur Pradhan pointed out that political instability in Nepal has overshadowed projects like the BRI. "These projects will move forward only with a clear vision," he emphasized.

Bikram Timilsina, a diplomacy expert, attributed the lack of progress on BRI projects to political instability and short-term thinking. "Political stability and leadership willpower are essential," he noted.

Former Chairman of the National Assembly Ganesh Timilsina warned that failing to implement past agreements with China would harm Nepal’s interests.