Reiterating its position on BRI, NC affirms opposition to loans

KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC) has reaffirmed its stance that Nepal should receive grants, not loans, from China under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Speaking to the media after a meeting on Monday, party spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat clarified that the agreement signed during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s visit to China does not prevent the government from pursuing grants.

“Our position remains the same as it was yesterday: grants, not loans,” Mahat said.

“The current agreement does not hinder the possibility of securing grants, though loans may be considered in exceptional cases. We trust that the government will proceed with the project accordingly.”

Mahat also emphasized that the framework signed during the Prime Minister’s China visit aligns with the understanding to prioritize grants.

“When the Prime Minister and other leaders have clearly stated that we should not take loans, there is no need for hesitation,” he added. “This message should also be conveyed in Parliament.”

He further stressed the need to honor previous commitments for grants made to the Chinese government and ensure their implementation.