Small States, Big Voices: How Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal Influence South Asian Diplomacy

In conversations about South Asian geopolitics, the spotlight often falls on India and Pakistan—two nuclear-armed neighbors whose rivalry dominates headlines. Yet, this narrative often overlooks the strategic importance of smaller South Asian states. Countries like Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal, though modest in size and economic power, have emerged as influential actors in regional diplomacy. Their voices, shaped by geography, culture, and unique national priorities, play a crucial role in determining South Asia’s stability and future.

The Power of Small States in International Diplomacy

In global politics, size does not always determine influence. Small states frequently exercise “soft power”—using diplomacy, moral authority, or niche expertise to influence regional and international debates. In South Asia, this is particularly true.

• Maldives commands strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, one of the busiest maritime trade routes in the world.

• Bhutan wields moral leadership on environmental diplomacy, advocating sustainable development and “Gross National Happiness.”

• Nepal sits at the heart of the Himalayas, functioning as a geopolitical bridge between India and China.

Together, these three states remind the region that diplomacy is not only about military might or GDP size—it is also about strategic positioning, values, and the ability to navigate great-power politics.

Maldives: A Key Player in the Indian Ocean

The Maldives, a chain of islands spread across the Indian Ocean, is geographically small but strategically vital. With its exclusive economic zone spanning over 900,000 square kilometers, it controls access to important shipping lanes connecting the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Strategic Balancing

For decades, Maldives has balanced its ties between India, its closest neighbor, and China, an emerging global power with growing interests in the Indian Ocean. India traditionally played the role of security guarantor, intervening during political crises and providing economic aid. However, in recent years, China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) investments—such as the Sinamalé Bridge—have deepened Beijing’s footprint.

Maldives’ ability to maneuver between these powers has given it outsized influence in shaping the Indian Ocean security architecture. Regional forums such as IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) often look to Maldives as a critical stakeholder.

Climate Leadership

Equally important is Maldives’ global advocacy on climate change. As one of the world’s lowest-lying nations, it faces an existential threat from rising sea levels. Maldivian leaders have consistently used global platforms—from the United Nations to COP summits—to amplify the urgency of climate action. This positions Maldives not only as a regional player but also as a moral voice on the international stage.

Bhutan: Champion of Environmental Diplomacy

Nestled in the Himalayas, Bhutan has chosen a path of diplomacy rooted in values rather than power politics. Its development philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) emphasizes well-being, cultural preservation, and ecological sustainability over mere economic growth.

A Model of Sustainability

Bhutan is the only carbon-negative country in the world, absorbing more carbon than it emits. It has committed to remaining carbon neutral indefinitely, positioning itself as a global leader in climate diplomacy. In an era where climate change threatens South Asia’s rivers, glaciers, and agriculture, Bhutan’s leadership serves as a reminder that sustainable development is possible without compromising sovereignty.

Strategic Diplomacy

Diplomatically, Bhutan maintains a careful balance. It shares close historical ties with India, relying on New Delhi for trade and security. At the same time, Bhutan is increasingly mindful of China’s influence. The border dispute with China, including tensions over the Doklam Plateau in 2017, highlighted Bhutan’s strategic vulnerability but also its ability to shape wider regional security debates.

In regional diplomacy, Bhutan’s soft power lies in its credibility. Its consistent voice on climate, culture, and ethical governance resonates beyond its borders, giving it a seat at the table disproportionate to its size.

Nepal: The Himalayan Bridge Between India and China

Nepal occupies one of the most strategically significant locations in South Asia. Landlocked and sandwiched between India and China, it has historically navigated complex diplomatic terrain.

Balancing Great Powers

Nepal’s foreign policy has often been described as a balancing act. On one hand, it relies heavily on India for trade, transit, and cultural ties. On the other, China has steadily expanded its influence through infrastructure investments under the Belt and Road Initiative. Nepal’s ability to play these two giants against each other gives it leverage, but also exposes it to risks of overdependence.

Regional Connectivity

Nepal has increasingly championed connectivity projects that link South Asia with East Asia. Initiatives like cross-border hydropower trade with India and proposed trans-Himalayan rail links with China highlight Nepal’s ambition to serve as a bridge nation. This role could transform Nepal into a hub for regional integration if managed carefully.

Internal Stability and Diplomacy

Nepal’s domestic political turbulence often limits its external influence. However, its history of peacebuilding and role in hosting international forums, such as the SAARC Secretariat in Kathmandu, reflect its continuing importance in shaping South Asia’s diplomatic landscape.

Shared Challenges and Collective Influence

While Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal differ in size, geography, and political systems, they face common challenges that enhance their diplomatic roles:

• Climate Vulnerability: Rising seas for Maldives, melting glaciers for Bhutan and Nepal.

• Economic Dependence: Reliance on tourism, remittances, or neighboring giants makes economic diplomacy crucial.

• Strategic Location: Each sits at a crossroads of global or regional trade and security.

Their collective influence lies in their ability to set agendas—whether on climate, sustainability, or connectivity—that larger nations cannot ignore.

The Role in Regional Platforms

1. SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation):

   • Though often paralyzed by India–Pakistan rivalry, SAARC offers smaller states a platform to push for cooperative solutions in health, education, and culture.

   • Nepal, as the permanent host of SAARC, plays a unique role in sustaining this dialogue.

     
     

2. BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative):

   • For Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal, BIMSTEC provides opportunities to connect with Southeast Asia, expanding their diplomatic reach.

   
   

3. Global Forums:

   • These nations use platforms like the UN and COP summits to amplify their voices beyond South Asia, shaping global debates on climate and sustainable development.

   
   

Conclusion: Small States, Big Futures

Maldives, Bhutan, and Nepal demonstrate that size is no barrier to influence in international relations. By leveraging geography, moral leadership, and strategic diplomacy, they shape South Asia’s future in ways that go far beyond their borders.

Their success also underscores a larger lesson for South Asia: cooperation need not always start with the largest and most powerful. Smaller states can act as bridges, innovators, and agenda-setters, reminding the region that diplomacy is about vision as much as it is about power.

As South Asia struggles to overcome divisions, the leadership of its smaller nations offers an alternative path—one rooted in sustainability, inclusivity, and balance. In many ways, the future of regional diplomacy may depend on how well these small states with big voices are heard.