Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday defended his decision to visit China before India, labelling critics as “absurd” and “cowardly” for questioning his diplomatic priorities.

“Where is it written that one must visit a particular country first? Is it in religious texts, the Constitution, or the UN Charter?” Oli asked while addressing a mass meeting organised by the CPN-UML in Kathmandu. “Such remarks are baseless and cowardly.”

The remarks came after former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal suggested in an interview with an Indian newspaper The Hindu that Oli was playing the “China card” by prioritising a visit to China over India. The CPN-UML, issuing a statement, had earlier condemned Dahal’s statement.

Oli reiterated Nepal’s commitment to maintaining balanced relations with all neighbours. “We will foster ties with all our neighbours based on mutual respect and equality while safeguarding our sovereignty and national interests,” he said, adding, “We harbour no enmity towards anyone; we have no enemies.”

The prime minister also expressed confidence in the success of his upcoming visit to China. “This is not a casual trip. I will personally report its success after my return,” Oli said.

On a separate note, the prime minister claimed the current coalition government is unshakable, asserting its stability and commitment to public welfare.

Oli, who also leads the party, said, “No one can destabilise the UML, the current coalition, or the government. This government is not for corruption or recruitment under the guise of meritocracy but for fulfilling the people’s aspirations for development and stability.”

He noted that while the UML and Nepali Congress remain political competitors, they have united for the country’s stability amid rising anarchy and attempts to divide society. “We are working together to safeguard the democracy and sovereignty established by the Nepali people against ongoing conspiracies,” Oli said.

The ruling party UML organised a rally and mass assembly in Kathmandu on Friday to ‘raise awareness against anarchy’. The rally started from Bhadrakali and passed through New Road Gate, Bir Hospital, Ratna Park, and Tri-Chandra Campus before converging into a mass assembly at Durbar Marg.