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Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the government is working with priority for the safety of Nepalis in areas affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, while taking the potential impacts seriously. 

Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the discussion on the appropriation bill in today's House of Representatives meeting, she said, "The ministry issued travel-related information with detailed contact details on June 15, requesting Nepalis currently in Israel and Iran to exercise maximum caution from a safety perspective."

Minister Rana said that the Nepali ambassadors in the respective countries have been instructed to coordinate for the safety of Nepali citizens. 

Mentioning that an 'online portal' was launched on June 17 to collect details of Nepali citizens, she informed that 885 individuals have registered their information on the portal so far and the registration process is increasing. 

The Foreign Affairs Minister stated, "On June 18, all Nepali missions in the Gulf have been instructed to facilitate the process of providing online visas and other assistance for Nepalis who wish to travel to safe locations or neighboring countries, in light of the current suspension of air routes in those countries."

In this context, she mentioned that the Jordanian government documented on June 19, 2025 stated the need to provide necessary assistance to foreign nationals coming from Israel to their borders. 

The minister  also stated that the Nepali Embassy  has communicated with ILO and IOM regarding facilitation on this matter. 

Minister Rana informed the Parliament that a request was made to the Indian government to rescue 16 Nepalis in Iran, and with the help of the Indian embassy in Iran, the process to bring back 11 of them to Nepal has begun. 

The remaining five are detained due to immigration laws, and the ministry is working through the Nepali Embassy in Doha to complete the paperwork for their return. 

She also mentioned that efforts are underway for the prompt rescue and repatriation from Israel and Iran through coordination with the relevant bodies and the formation of a rapid response group. 

Foreign Minister Rana stated that the Nepal government has been continuously pursuing diplomatic efforts at both bilateral and multilateral levels for the release of Bipin Joshi since the beginning.

The minister added that Nepal has pursued economic diplomacy as one of the major tools of its foreign policy and its missions abroad are being encouraged to engage in trade, foreign investment, tourism, and technology provision. 

Likewise, she said that efforts are underway from the diplomatic missions to promote cultural and tourism diplomacy, adding that the Ministry is undertaking necessary works for the sustainability of Nepal's graduation from the category of the least developed country to a middle- income developing country. 

Nepal is scheduled to observe its graduation from the LDC to the developing nation in 2026.  

She made it clear before the session that the appointment of ambassadors is taking place as per the existing rules and in the deputation of labor attachés.

The minister said that  the number of missions and human resources for foreign services has been increased following the Ministry's Organisation and Management Survey. 

In addition to these, digital archiving and data management are among the priorities of the Ministry.   

The total budget allocation to the Ministry in the upcoming fiscal year has slightly increased compared to the previous year. However, the budget for other headings except the capital expenditures has decreased. 

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said the government would adopt all possible measures for the security and rescue of the Nepalis living in Israel and Iran in view of the present developing scenario there.

The government is all prepared to rescue those Nepalis willing to return home from these countries, she added.  

Minister Rana shared this in a joint meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Home Affairs at Foreign Ministry today. 

During the meeting, she shared about the situation developed due to tension between Israel and Iran.

The Foreign Affairs Minister argued that the Nepali Embassy in Israel is actively working at coordination of the Foreign Ministry, and registration has been opened for those Nepalis willing to return home. 

"It is also the responsibility of Israel to facilitate the Nepalis, who are in Israel under G2G process, to return them home safely and to send them to a safer place if they want to. The Israeli government has already been requested to help the Nepalis there to go to other countries from border areas for the same," mentioned Foreign Minister Rana. 

The government is in a ready position to rescue the Nepalis if they want to return home, she opined.

On the occasion, Labour Minister Sharat Singh Bhandari shared that his ministry is also in constant contact with Nepalis there and the government should be involved in preparation to rescue the Nepalis willing to return home. 

He added that work permits have not been issued for those who are about to leave for Israel.  

On June 13, the day the war between Israel and Iran broke out, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement appealing to both parties to exercise maximum restraint and resolve the issue through dialogue, while requesting Nepalis in those countries to stay in contact with the Nepali embassy concerned.

Subsequently, on June 15, a travel advisory with contact details was issued, urging Nepalis to adopt maximum vigilance from a security perspective.

With the current closure of air routes in those countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs directed all Nepali embassies in the Gulf  to facilitate processes such as providing 'online visas' for Nepalis wishing to go to safe locations or neighbouring countries.

The Ministry has also started to collect information from Nepalis by opening an online portal, and so far more than 600 people have registered their details on that portal. This process is still going on.

Likewise, the Ministry issued a travel advisory for the second time last Wednesday, requesting Nepali citizens currently in Israel and Iran to exercise maximum caution for security, and advising not to travel to Israel or other Middle Eastern countries from Nepal.

This week, Foreign Minister Rana met with the Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, requesting the Israeli government to make proper arrangements for the safety of Nepali citizens.

Similarly, the Nepali Embassy in Israel and the Nepali Embassy in Qatar overseeing Iran have been directed to establish close contact with relevant government officials, organizations working in the region, and the Nepali community, and to provide 'real-time reporting' to the ministry regarding the matter. 

Currently, there are between 5,500 to 7,000 Nepalis in Israel, and most of them are in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. Similarly, there are 18 Nepalis in Iran.

Apparently, most of the emergencies do not come with sirens blaring in a world in a state of perpetual flux, not even in a vital part of the rules-based international order protected by near-impregnable defenses. Even if they did, it is highly likely that our capable governments would appear ill-prepared when it comes to dealing with such contingencies. 

Barely two years after the 7 Oct 2023 attack on Israel that killed around 1200 people—including 10 Nepali students and saw the abduction of 250 others (including Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student)—this stark reality of our ill-preparedness in dealing with crisis situations, especially a swift rescue of Nepali nationals caught in adverse situations abroad, has come us a-haunting again. 

Escalating hostilities between arch-nemeses Iran and Israel have given rise to concerns over the safety and security of Nepali nationals in a restive Mideast—most of them migrant workers. According to some reports, Israel is home to 5000-7000 Nepali workers. Other than that, our government, in a typical fashion, does not have the exact number of Nepalis living in the restive region. 

Nothing out of the blue, right? 

In the wake of the renewed hostilities, the government is doing its bit to “ensure” the protection of Nepalis. Recently, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, held a meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, where she asked the government of Israel to ensure their safety. The ambassador’s reply—that Nepalis in Israel were so far safe—must have provided a much-needed immediate relief to the government. 

Other than that, the government has directed Nepali ambassadors to Israel and Qatar, which is playing the role of a facilitator to de-escalate the Iran-Israel conflict, to remain vigilant regarding the safety of Nepali citizens in their respective regions.  

The government has also approached a number of countries to help with the rescue of stranded Nepalis, if they are planning to rescue their nationals anytime seen. 

That the government is not twiddling its thumbs in a crisis situation like this provides some relief. But these random activities also lay bare the lack of a credible plan for a swift rescue of Nepali nationals caught in crisis situations like wars, conflicts, natural disasters and domestic unrest abroad.

The sooner the government comes up with such a plan by allocating necessary means and resources, the better. 

But such a plan—and its execution—should not mark the end of the government’s responsibilities toward outmigrating Nepali nationals. In the long run, the government should channelize its energies on bringing to an end the exodus of Nepalis and tapping their boundless potentials for national progress and prosperity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana met with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal, Shmulik Arie Bass, on Monday to discuss the evolving situation resulting from the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Rana inquired about the condition of Nepali citizens currently in Israel amid the conflict. She expressed concern over the safety of Nepalis living there and requested the ambassador to ensure their protection.

Ambassador Bass assured the minister that Nepalis in Israel are currently safe and that the Israeli government is committed to the security of all foreign nationals, including Nepalis.

The Foreign Ministry has instructed Nepali embassies in Israel and Qatar to prioritize the safety and well-being of Nepali citizens residing in Israel and Iran. Minister Deuba also held telephone conversations with Nepali ambassadors in Tel Aviv and Doha, directing them to remain in close contact with Nepali nationals and provide regular updates on security advisories issued by the respective governments.

According to the ministry, around 5,500 Nepalis are currently in Israel and 12 in Iran. Given the escalating conflict, the Government of Nepal is “closely monitoring the developments and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and interests of Nepali nationals in the region”.

The ministry has also requested Nepalis in need of assistance to contact the Nepali embassies in Tel Aviv and Doha (Qatar). The Nepali Embassy in Pakistan concurrently looks after matters concerning Iran in the absence of an embassy in the Gulf nation. Nepal and Iran established diplomatic relations in 1964. However, Nepal closed its embassy in Tehran in 1981 following the Islamic Revolution.

Against this backdrop, coordination for Nepalis in Iran is facilitated through the Nepali Embassy in Qatar.

Meanwhile, Biratnagar Metropolitan City Mayor Nagesh Koirala, who had traveled to Israel to study cooperative practices, remains stranded due to the closure of international borders amid the conflict. Mayor Koirala is reportedly taking shelter in a bunker. He stated that he is currently safe in a city located 30 kilometers from the capital. He was scheduled to return to Nepal on June 20, but the escalating tensions and airport closures have made his return uncertain.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Shmulik Arie Bass at her office on Monday and took updates about the Israel-Iran conflict and latest political developments there.

On the occasion, the Minister expressed her concerns over the situation of Nepali nationals in Israel, urging the government of Israel to ensure their safety.

The ambassador apprised the Minister that Nepalis in Israel are so far safe.. 

On Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Nepali nationals currently in Israel and Iran are safe. 

The Foreign Minister also spoke with the Nepali ambassadors to Israel in Tel Aviv and Qatar in Doha, requesting them to remain vigilant regarding the safety of Nepali citizens in their respective regions. 

Qatar is playing a facilitator's role in efforts to de-escalate the Israel-Iran conflict.

The Ministry stated that it is closely monitoring the situation, which has been unfolding over the past few days, and will take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Nepali nationals when necessary.

Arzu Rana Deuba, Minister for Foreign Affairs, has called for deeper India–Nepal cooperation amid global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical shifts, and rapid technological transformation. Emphasizing economic partnership, green energy, digital innovation, and regional integration, she stated, “Nepal and India must transform proximity into prosperity by improving connectivity, from roads and railways to digital infrastructure.”

Speaking at a program jointly organized by Centre for Social Innovation and Foreign Policy (CESIF), Nepal, and the Ananta Aspen Centre here in Kathmandu, she highlighted progress on the Pancheshwar Hydropower Project as a step toward the joint goal of exporting 10,000 MW of electricity to India, noting shared commitment to a greener, more interdependent future.  Deuba also stressed that Nepal and India face common security threats, making collaboration in security and strategic sectors vital for regional stability and mutual resilience, according to a press statement issued by the organizer.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava has reaffirmed India’s commitment to strengthening the India–Nepal partnership under the “Neighborhood First” policy, emphasizing that borders should serve as bridges of connectivity. The envoy highlighted growing cooperation across infrastructure, energy, trade, digital payments, and people-to-people linkages, citing Nepal’s significant electricity exports to India and the growing use of India’s UPI system in Nepal as examples of mutually beneficial progress.

He underscored shared security concerns, particularly the threat of cross-border terrorism, and appreciated Nepal’s unequivocal support following the April 2025 Pahalgam attack, which claimed the life of a Nepali citizen, according to a press statement issued by organizer.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has expressed her hope that joint partnership and connectivity in various sectors between Nepal and India would lay the foundation for shared prosperity between the two nations.

Inaugurating the Nepal-India Strategic Dialogue in Kathmandu today, she underscored the need to speed up cooperation in trade, transit and investment between the two countries and advance economic partnership through connectivity.

 “I look forward to a future where ginger from Nepali farmers reaches the Mumbai market within 24 hours and an Indian tourist reaches Pokhara on an evening flight after finishing a morning meeting in Delhi. This kind of proximity should be the basis for economic prosperity for the citizens of the two countries.”

Citing the ago-old Nepal-India relations, built on shared values, culture and emotions and people-to-people contacts, she said enhancing cooperation and connectivity would help shape a prosperous future for both countries.

She stressed the need for investing in roads, railways, waterways, air routes, and digital infrastructure to increase mutual connectivity. “A seamless connectivity between the two countries will not only support regional and global supply chains, but also enhance transit trade and border economies. This will benefit the citizens of both countries.”

Stating that the current global economic scenario is shifting towards a knowledge-based economy, services and digital platforms, Minister Rana stressed the need for both countries to jointly focus their efforts on digital economy, technology and innovation, modern education system, skill development and creative economy.

Highlighting the energy sector as a notable example of cooperation between the two neighbors, she said that Nepal’s vast hydropower potential will provide a clean, renewable energy source, which she said will be useful for the future generations.

She added India's commitments to importing 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal in the coming decade reflects Nepal-India cooperation in the energy sector. "The two countries have further strengthened cooperation in the power sector, including developing transmission interconnections, grid connectivity and power exchange, and cross-border power trade."

Minister Rana proposed collaboration between India's expertise in digital innovation and Nepal's young and tech-savvy population. "We should promote tech hubs, start-ups and digital innovation platforms in mutual cooperation and let our youth work together, use technology and move forward on the path of prosperity."

Calling for joint efforts to tackle shared challenges posed by climate change especially amid rapid technological advancements and shifting geopolitical dynamics, she expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its cooperation and support for successfully organising the "Sagarmatha Sambaad" recently in Nepal.

Reiterating Nepal's commitment to a future of peace, stability and prosperity through partnerships with its neighbors and international friends, the minister underscored that such dialogues are vital for deepening Nepal-India relations, promoting the exchange of ideas, and strengthening the people-to-people relations.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba returned home last night after attending the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) organised in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, on May 30.

She attended the ceremony as an observer at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

A total of 32 countries signed the Convention, while more than 50 countries and over 20 international organisations participated in the event. The organisation aims to resolve international disputes between states, citizens, business and individuals across borders through mediation.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the event, the minister held a bilateral meeting with Minister Wang, which focused on strengthening the friendly relations between Nepal and China. Additionally, the meeting touched on expanding economic, technical and commercial relations between the two countries and on the timely completion of development projects in Nepal supported by China.

“As this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, a discussion was also held on celebrating this occasion with special events and continuing the exchange of high-level visits between the two countries,” Minister Rana said.

The Nepali delegation led by Minister Rana included Head of the Northeast Asia Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Bhrigu Dhungana and Consul General of Nepal in Hong Kong Dr Bindeswar Prasad Lekhak, as well as representatives from the Ministry and the Consulate General in Hong Kong.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has described her five-day visit to Japan as 'fruitful'.

Upon her return home last night, she stated that her visit has helped further strengthen Nepal-Japan relations while expanding cooperation in various development sectors.

Minister Rana informed media persons that she held various important meetings with Japanese officials, including Foreign Minister IWAYA Takeshi, discussing various issues ranging from strengthening bilateral relations, and cooperation in various projects.

“During this visit, we discussed various issues of Nepal-Japan relations, ongoing cooperation and future projects in Nepal. Similarly, the visit also provided an opportunity to learn about policies and welfare systems implemented in Japan for senior citizens,” she said.

A bilateral meeting between Minister Rana and her counterpart Takeshi touched on various aspects of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations, mutual interests, and common global concerns. Minister Rana expressed her gratitude for Japan's continued support in Nepal's development journey.

On May 23, the minister also met with President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Dr Tanaka Akihiko, and discussed the timely implementation and completion of JICA-funded projects in Nepal. She thanked Japan for its long-standing support to Nepal's economic and social development endeavors.

Earlier, Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, IKUINA Akiko, paid a courtesy call on Minister Rana on the sidelines of the recently concluded "Sagarmatha Sambad" last week in Kathmandu.

She expressed her appreciation for Akiko's active participation in the dialogue.

While in Japan, Minister Rana also addressed an international conference on senior citizens in Tokyo and shared Nepal's efforts and challenges in policy development and welfare for senior citizens.

Upon her arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, she was welcomed by officials including Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amrit Bahadur Rai.

Foreign Minister Rana had left for Japan last Monday.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who is on an official visit to Japan, held a meeting today with her Japanese counterpart IWAYA Takeshi at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. 

The meeting focused on various issues of Nepal-Japan bilateral relations, mutual interests and common concerns, marking the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Japan relations, which began in 1956, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

During the meeting, Minister Rana expressed her appreciation for Japan's long standing cooperation in Nepal's economic, social and other sectors. She also urged Japan to continue its support, especially as Nepal is set to graduate from a least developed country to a developing nation by 2026. 

Minister Rana extended an invitation to Minister Takeshi to visit Nepal next year to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Highlighting investment opportunities in Nepal, she requested Takeshi to encourage Japanese industrialists and businessmen to invest, ensuring investment security and assurance. 

She also requested the Japanese government to consider launching direct flights to Nepal, a proposal to which Minister Takeshi agreed to facilitate.

Referring to the centuries-old relationship between Nepal and Japan, she said, “The two countries have had ancient socio-cultural relations inspired by the teachings of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is also a cultural bridge between Nepal and Japanese citizens.”

Acknowledging the inflow of thousands of Japanese tourists to Nepal every year particularly for study and observing the natural and cultural wonders of Nepal, including Lumbini, the two leaders discussed the possible cooperation in tourism in the coming days. 

Additionally, the Foreign Minister expressed her gratitude for Japan's active engagement in the recently concluded "Sagarmatha Sambaad" organised by Nepal this week (May 15-18) , praising the role of the Japanese delegation led by Japanese Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs IKUINA Akiko. 

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has left for Japan to participate in the international conference on social isolation in senior citizens, which is starting tomorrow in Tokyo. She left for Japan last night.

The conference theme is -“Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness Among Older People.”

Minister Rana is scheduled to address the conference on behalf of Nepal.

The conference organised by the Foundation for the Welfare and Education of the Asian People will have the participation of ministers, senior government officials, and social activists from more than 12 countries.

Minister Rana, who has been working for a long time in the field of economic uplift and social protection of Nepali women through Rural Women and Development Centre and organizations like the Safe Motherhood Network, has been invited as the special guest of the programme.

While in Japan, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to hold important bilateral meetings. She is set to return home next Saturday.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the Sagarmatha Sambaad has been successful in voicing about the issues arising from climate change from the mountains to the islands.

Addressing the closing session of the Sambaad today, she said, "This edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad has brought together the voices of leaders, policymakers, experts, scholars, youth, civil society, international organisations and the community from the high mountains to island nations in the spirit of a genuine dialogue."

Emphasising that collective efforts are necessary for the implementation of the dialogue's conclusions and achieving targeted goals, Minister Rana stated that the dialogue is not just a program but a celebration of the confluence of ideas and shared responsibility.

"Just as Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) stands firm reminding us of our determination, may the result of this dialogue remind us of our resolve," she added.

Stating that the topics and suggestions discussed in the dialogue will be raised at various international forums, the Foreign Minister informed the session that this topic will be raised at the high-level international conference on glacier conservation to be held in Tajikistan at the end of this month, in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, and the UN climate change conference COP-30 to be held in Brazil this year.

The Foreign Minister informed that the second edition of the Sagarmatha Sambaad will take place in 2027.

Abdulla Ahmed Balalaa, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability of the United Arab Emirates, and Ahmed bin Abdulrahman Al Ghardaqa, President of the Arab Youth Council for Climate Change (AYCCC), have attended the Sagarmatha Sambaad, which is being organized in Kathmandu.

Along with attending Sagarmatha Sambaad, the UAE delegation held a series of high-level meetings with key members of the Nepali government, including Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, the Minister for Forest and Environment, and the Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation.

Matters relating to advancing Nepal-UAE relations, including enhancing cooperation in renewable energy, sustainability, and climate resilience, were discussed on the occasion, said Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The delegation held talks with Abdullah Muksit, a representative of the UNFCCC and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), based in Geneva, who was attending the Sambaad as part of the international delegation.

The discussions centered on enhancing collaboration in areas such as climate change mitigation, renewable energy, sustainable water resource management, and inclusive economic development.

Balalaa has reiterated the UAE’s commitment to expanding its partnership with Nepal, underscoring the shared vision of advancing joint sustainability initiatives and fostering resilience and prosperity across both nations.

This visit marks a pivotal moment in the growing UAE–Nepal partnership, spotlighting shared commitments to addressing global environmental challenges and empowering youth-led innovation through climate diplomacy and long-term cooperation.

Indian Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav has emphasized India's unwavering commitment to global climate action and the need for collaborative efforts to safeguard the Himalayas and other mountain ecosystems. He expressed India’s dedication to addressing the global climate crisis. He noted, “It is a profound honour to represent India at this historic gathering. The name Sagarmatha, meaning ‘Head of the Sky,’ aptly encapsulates the majesty and the responsibility we bear in protecting the mountains that form the lifeblood of our planet.”

Yadav appreciated Nepal for hosting the Sambaad and stated that India, with its vast Himalayan region, shares a common ecological and cultural bond with its mountain neighbours. He stressed that South Asia accounts for only 4 percent of historical global CO₂ emissions, despite being home to nearly 25 percent of the global population. The Minister emphasized that the burden of the climate crisis continues to fall disproportionately on developing nations, while developed countries remain far from fulfilling their commitments to climate finance, technology transfer, and capacity building.

Yadav further emphasized the immense biodiversity value of high-altitude ecosystems like the India and Nepal region. He stressed on the need for enhanced transboundary conservation efforts, calling on all Himalayan nations to collaborate under the International Big Cats Alliance to support joint protection initiatives for species such as snow leopards, tigers, and leopards. “The Alliance aims to foster conservation expertise, fund critical initiatives, and create a knowledge repository for the protection of these iconic species”, he stated.

The Minister also outlined a five-point call for global action to address the shared ecological challenges of mountainous regions.

• Enhanced Scientific Cooperation: Strengthening research collaboration, and monitoring cryospheric changes, hydrological cycles, and biodiversity.

• Building Climate Resilience: Investing in climate adaptation measures, early warning systems for disasters like Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and climate-resilient infrastructure in mountain areas.

• Empowerering Mountain Communities: Ensuring that the welfare, needs and aspirations of local communities are at the heart of policy-making and their benefit from green livelihoods and sustainable tourism. Their traditional knowledge is an invaluable resource.

• Providing Green Finance: Making available adequate and predictable climate finance as per the UNFCCC and its Paris Agreement for mountain Nations to implement adaptation and mitigation strategies effectively.

• Recognizing Mountain Perspectives: Ensuring that the unique vulnerabilities and contributions of mountain ecosystems are suitably featured in global climate negotiations and sustainable development agendas.

On the sidelines of the Sagarmatha Sambaad 2025, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change met with Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, where the two leaders engaged in a productive discussion on strengthening India-Nepal cooperation in the field of environment. He also called on the Prime Minister Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli. He conveyed to him greetings from the leadership in India and congratulated him for successfully organizing the first edition of Sagarmatha Sambaad. Both leaders noted the close and friendly relations between India and Nepal which are deeply rooted in historical, cultural, civilizational and people-to-people ties.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has described the mountains as humanity's shared global resources.

In her welcome statement in the Opening Session of the Sagarmatha Sambaad organized for the first time in Kathmandu on the theme of 'Climate Change, Mountains and the Future of Humanity', she said the mountains are the source of fresh water to millions of people.

Stating that the Himalayas are bearing the greatest burden of climate change-induced stressors today, she noted that the rate of glacier melting due to climate change effects has significantly increased. Minister Rana mentioned that this has negatively impacted the daily lives of the mountain communities.

"Mountains store and supply freshwater, act as natural carbon sinks and are home to breathtaking biodiversity and abundant natural resources. They offer an array of sustainable climate solutions in the form of reforestation, watershed protection and eco-tourism," she stated.

Reminding that the climate change-induced disasters have shaken the very foundation of human existence and livelihoods, the Foreign Affairs Minister said the floods and glacial lake outburst triggered by climate change impact has caused a big damage, and the droughts, water scarcity and forest fires has given untold suffering.

"The Sambaad provides an occasion for reflection and introspection and aims to encourage meaningful conversations on matters that matter to us all, from the mountains to the seas, and from the Global North to the Global South," she added.

Noting that the Himalayas, in particular, are facing an unprecedented stress test in real time today, exposing not only the fragile nature of our mountain ecosystems but also a glaring evidence of the lack of meaningful global climate action, she said Nepal, as a mountainous country, is forced to face a heavy and disproportionate burden of the negative impacts of climate change.

"Yet there are incredible examples of many local communities fighting strenuously against climate change. Women, indigenous people, youth, and marginalized groups- especially in mountain regions- are the gentle caretakers of our natural world. They fight on the home ground and they know how to fight a long fight."

The minister stressed on the occasion that recognizing and giving value to their local knowledge and lived experience is critical to building adaptive and sustainable communities, as is empowering them with resources and opportunities for finding sustainable solutions to an existential crisis.

Nepal has committed to achieving the target of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.  Hydropower, a clean form of energy, has remained Nepal's largest source of electricity. 

Minister Rana shared community forest, a natural resource management program pioneered by Nepal, has not only helped Nepal enlarge its forest cover significantly but has also emerged as a model of participatory conservation the world over.

"Climate change is a global crisis transcending national boundaries. Nothing less than a global alliance based on justice and solidarity can hope to make a dent on the existential crisis that climate change brings in its wake", she mentioned, adding that we call for a sufficient and effective loss and damage fund that could be easily accessed by countries in crisis. 

The Foreign Minister added that the world should acknowledge the vulnerabilities of countries like Nepal as well as support targeted mitigation and adaptation strategies through the provision of climate finance, adaptation support and technology transfer.

Nepal has therefore been consistently at the forefront of advocating for climate justice in international forums and multilateral institutions, she opined.

Minister Rana argued that this forum would be an opportunity to contemplate on the linkage between climate change and regional and international peace, security and stability as well as the impacts of climate change on migration, food security, humanitarian crisis and disaster risks. 

She expressed the belief that the Dialogue would help spark fresh ideas, foster cooperation and mobilize greater political willpower in combating the specter of climate change and the existential threat to the future of humanity.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said there was no truth in a rumor of change in the incumbent government. 

The rumor was spread by a group of people wanting the same, she mentioned.

Talking to media persons upon her arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport today after attending United Nations program organized at Bangkok of Thailand, Foreign Minister opined, "Now, there is no possibility of a change in government. It's only a rumor."

Responding to a query of media persons regarding the Bangkok visit of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, she made it clear that President Deuba had left for Bangkok for his regular health examination, not for a political meeting.

Minister Rana further said the NC President has a telephone conversation with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday about the rumor.  

The Foreign Minister returned home today after chairing the 81st session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) for the United Nations held from April 21.

Similarly, she also chaired the special meeting of Least Developed, Landlocked Developing and Small Island Developing States in this connection.

On the occasion, she on behalf of Nepal expressed the view regarding the issue of shared welfare of these nations. 

The Foreign Minister also held meetings with executive secretary of ESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana as well as high representative of Least Developed, Landlocked Developing and Small Island Developing States, Rabab Fatima.