Nepal's Cabinet Proposes Ambassadors for 13 Nations, Including Major Powers

Nepal's Diplomatic Appointments

Kathmandu: On Friday, Nepal's Council of Ministers put forth recommendations for ambassadors to 13 nations, including significant players like India, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, addressing several long-standing vacancies.

The recommendations emerged from a Cabinet meeting led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, as reported by the Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal's office.

Nishchal Nath Pandey has been nominated as the ambassador to India, while Kalyan Raj Sharma, Chiranjung Thapa, and former Nepal Army chief Gaurav Shumsher Rana have been suggested for the ambassadorial roles in China, the US, and the UK, respectively.

Currently, Pandey serves as the director of the Centre for South Asian Studies, a Kathmandu-based think tank.

He has an extensive background, having previously held the position of executive director at the International Affairs Study Academy under Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for eight years.

Pandey possesses an LLB and a PhD in Political Science from Tribhuvan University and is also an honorary associate professor at the National Institute of Advanced Studies in Bengaluru.

During the Cabinet meeting, the names of ambassadors to Japan, Israel, Spain, Germany, Oman, Malaysia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, and Saudi Arabia were also put forward.

These nominations will be forwarded to the Parliamentary Hearing Committee for approval before the government seeks consent from the respective nations.

This consent is a formal endorsement from a host country to accept a proposed ambassador or head of mission from another country prior to their official appointment.

Following the completion of necessary procedures, Nepal's President will formally appoint the ambassadors.