Tue, 13 October 2026
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Tue, 13 October 2026
By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Oct. 13: Ambassadors-designate to India, China, the United States and the United Kingdom have underscored the importance of activating bilateral mechanisms to resolve disputes, implement agreements and address outstanding issues with Nepal’s partner countries.
The Parliamentary Hearing Committee heard the views of proposed ambassadors, including Nischal Nath Pandey for India, Kalyan Raj Sharma for China, Chiran Jung Thapa for the United States of America and Gaurav Shumsher Rana for the United Kingdom.
The nominees highlighted that ambassadors must implement the government's foreign policy and that the government should clearly define its positions on sensitive issues, including border disputes, treaty implementation, foreign assistance and loans.
Pandey said he would work to make Nepal-India bilateral mechanisms functional if appointed, arguing that regular meetings and a fixed calendar were essential to resolving outstanding issues. He said he would seek a clearer understanding of the status of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) report on Nepal-India relations.
Sharma said the government must clearly define its policy on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), including whether Nepal would participate and the extent to which it would accept loans or grants. He said ambassadors should promote the government's position rather than formulate policy independently.
He pledged to work towards implementing existing agreements, including transit arrangements, and activating bilateral mechanisms.
He also highlighted the need to reopen traditional trading routes, particularly the Tatopani border point, and promote Nepali exports to reduce the trade deficit with China.
Thapa pledged to work within the government's guidelines and seek US assistance to strengthen Nepal's capacity to tackle cybercrime through coordinated efforts among security agencies and data-driven investigations.
He also promised to pursue the removal or reduction of the US visa bond requirement and attract more American foreign direct investment. To improve consular services, he proposed keeping the embassy open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Rana prioritised resolving the concerns of former Gurkha soldiers and their families, including simplifying pension payments. He also proposed mobilising the knowledge, skills and investment potential of the Nepali diaspora in the UK through professional networks.
He said he would promote educational cooperation with British universities, strengthen business networks and advance public and economic diplomacy.
Rana also described the UK as a longstanding development partner and pledged to work towards expanding bilateral cooperation in line with Nepal's foreign policy.
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