“He will obviously go on foreign trips. But first, he will focus on the issues of the general population and development,” he said. “He will not go on any foreign trips for at least one year as per our discussion.”

Since the restoration of multiparty democracy in 1990, Nepali prime ministers have been known to move quickly when it comes to foreign trips. The quickest such trip came when Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal visited China for the Olympics in 2008 in less than one month into his tenure. Until KP Sharma Oli’s last prime ministership, India was the almost universal first stop for a new Nepali prime minister to signal diplomatic alignment. Since 2014, five of the six prime ministers visited India first.

Foreign policy analysts say Prime Minister Shah’s decision not to undertake any foreign visits for at least a year does not mark a major shift in foreign policy, but does signal a cautious approach to foreign relations.

“Nepali prime ministers are infamous for their quick foreign trips following their appointment. PM Shah’s approach reveals a level of maturity uncommon in Nepali politics,” foreign affairs analyst Chandra Dev Bhatta said. “He has signalled that he prioritises domestic issues over foreign trips. Meanwhile, the foreign ministry is diligently managing foreign affairs and maintaining the balancing act with our neighbours.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shah will not participate in the upcoming general convention of the RSP. Speaking in an interview with the Post, General Secretary Shah revealed that the prime minister will observe the convention from the sidelines.

“He will, like any ordinary citizen, follow updates on the convention through the news,” Shah told the Post, “Instead, his focus will remain strictly on his executive role in the government.” He clarified that the prime minister will observe the proceedings rather than taking an active part in the internal party event.