Fiscal Nepal
First Business News Portal in English from Nepal
KATHMANDU: The Government of Nepal has decided to recall several ambassadors who were politically appointed during the tenure of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, marking a significant diplomatic reshuffle in Nepal’s foreign service.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagdish Kharel informed that the Cabinet meeting on Thursday endorsed the decision to recall ambassadors serving in China, Germany, Israel, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan.
According to Minister Kharel, the recalled envoys have been instructed to return to Nepal by November 5 (Kartik 20). The decision, he said, is part of the government’s plan to “review political appointments and ensure balanced diplomatic representation in line with Nepal’s foreign policy priorities.”
The ambassadors were appointed during the previous administration led by CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, many of whom were considered close political allies or individuals with party affiliations. The current government, led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, has reportedly sought to replace them with career diplomats or new political representatives reflecting the coalition’s power-sharing arrangement.
The move is expected to pave the way for a broad reorganization of Nepal’s diplomatic corps, as several key embassies in strategic nations will now remain vacant pending new appointments. Observers say this decision could also signal a shift in foreign policy tone, as the coalition government aims to assert its influence over Nepal’s international representation.
While political appointments in Nepal’s diplomatic missions have been a longstanding practice, critics argue that such actions often disrupt continuity and professionalism in foreign affairs. Diplomats and analysts have frequently called for a merit-based system to strengthen Nepal’s international presence, especially at a time when global relations are increasingly driven by economic diplomacy, investment facilitation, and technology cooperation.
This latest recall decision may also test Nepal’s ongoing bilateral engagements, particularly with nations like China, the United States, and India, where continuity and expertise in diplomatic communication are considered vital.
As the recalled ambassadors prepare to return, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to recommend replacements soon, prioritizing individuals with diplomatic experience and the ability to align with Nepal’s current foreign policy strategy, economic diplomacy goals, and global outreach objectives.
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