📷 Image Credits: Deccan Herald
Amid diplomatic tensions and political changes, Nepal’s government made the decision to recall 11 ambassadors, including those serving in India and the US. These envoys, originally appointed under the Nepali Congress’ quota, have been instructed to return within three to four weeks. The move comes three months after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ severed ties with the Nepali Congress and formed an alliance with KP Sharma Oli.
According to sources, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha strongly opposed the recall of these ambassadors. Despite backlash from Shrestha, both Prime Minister Dahal and CPN-UML Chairman Oli pushed forward with the decision, highlighting a rift within the government. The Cabinet endorsed the recall without extensive discussion, indicating a unilateral stance on the matter.
The recalled ambassadors include Shankar Sharma (India), Sridhar Khatri (USA), Gyan Chandra Acharya (UK), and others serving in South Korea, Qatar, Spain, Denmark, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Portugal. These appointees, who were chosen during the Nepali Congress’ tenure in 2021, are now expected to return to Nepal.
Foreign Minister Shrestha had warned against recalling all 11 envoys, suggesting that some of them had shown good performance in their roles. However, the pressure from Dahal and Oli prevailed, leading to a decisive action by the Cabinet. Despite objections from multiple sources, the government pushed through with the controversial decision, signaling a significant change in diplomatic relations.
The implications of this recall extend beyond just diplomatic circles, as it reflects the political dynamics within Nepal. With Prime Minister Prachanda due to visit New Delhi for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony, the timing of this action raises questions about the country’s foreign policy direction. As tensions rise and foreign ministry officials express concerns over the undiplomatic nature of the move, the fallout from this decision remains to be seen.