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New Delhi, October 13, 2026: The first meeting of the Home Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) concluded in New Delhi on Tuesday with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, reaffirming the member countries’ commitment to strengthening regional cooperation to build a connected, secure, resilient, developed and prosperous region.

According to a press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi, the declaration underscores the importance of coordinated regional efforts to address shared security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, organised crime, cybercrime, money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The declaration was adopted by the Home Ministers of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand, who met in New Delhi on October 13 for the inaugural BIMSTEC Home Ministers’ Meeting.

The ministers welcomed India’s initiative to host the inaugural meeting, describing it as a milestone in developing the institutional framework for security cooperation under BIMSTEC. The declaration also recalled the decisions taken at the fourth BIMSTEC Summit in Kathmandu in August 2018 and the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4, 2025, to strengthen cooperation in the security sector through a dedicated mechanism for Home Ministers.

Strongly condemning terrorism and violent extremism conducive to terrorism in all their forms and manifestations, including cross-border terrorism, the member states reiterated their determination to prevent, combat and eliminate these threats through comprehensive and sustained measures in accordance with the United Nations Charter and international law.

The declaration called for the effective implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions, including measures under the 1267 Sanctions Committee. It also expressed deep condolences and solidarity with victims of terrorist attacks in member states, their families and the governments of affected countries, while calling for those responsible to be brought to justice in accordance with applicable domestic and international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

The ministers stressed the need to strengthen cooperation to counter radicalisation, violent extremism and terrorist financing, including through internationally agreed standards on combating the financing of terrorism and money laundering. They also called for measures to prevent the exploitation of emerging technologies for terrorist activities and to tackle terrorist recruitment.

Recognising the increasingly complex nature of transnational crime, the declaration highlighted the use of technology by criminal networks to traffic people and exploit victims in online fraud and scam operations. It called for closer cooperation among countries of origin, transit and destination, as well as countries where scam centres operate and individuals are defrauded. Such cooperation, it said, should follow a victim-centred approach that respects victims’ rights and complies with domestic laws and applicable international obligations.

The declaration further emphasised the need for the full and effective implementation of the BIMSTEC Convention on Combating International Terrorism, Transnational Organised Crime and Illicit Drug Trafficking, which entered into force in March 2021. It also called for effective implementation of the BIMSTEC Convention on Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters, signed at the fifth BIMSTEC Summit in Colombo in March 2022.

The member states encouraged the early finalisation of conventions on extradition, the transfer of sentenced persons and combating trafficking in persons, alongside standard operating procedures for the rescue, repatriation and reintegration of victims of human trafficking.

The ministers also called for effective implementation of the finalised plans of action on human trafficking, narcotic drugs and precursor chemicals, and anti-money laundering. They emphasised the need to finalise a plan of action on countering radicalisation and terrorism and to strengthen information-sharing mechanisms to address human trafficking and migrant smuggling.

The declaration noted the need to develop the BIMSTEC Drug Offences Monitoring Desk and called for timely publication of annual drug reports by all member states. It also committed the countries to providing tailored training and capacity-building programmes through their respective premier institutions to strengthen regional capabilities in counterterrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering and other transnational crimes.

Acknowledging the contribution of national security chiefs and advisers to regional cooperation, the ministers welcomed progress in maritime security cooperation, the initiation of the BIMSTEC 1.5 Track Security Dialogue and the initiative for a Himalayan Science Council.

The Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime (JWG on CTTC) was commended for its work in advancing security cooperation and was mandated to follow up on the implementation of the decisions and directives contained in the declaration.

The declaration also encouraged meetings among delegations from the home ministries of member states on the sidelines of meetings of the United Nations and other international and regional organisations to coordinate their positions on issues of common interest. It welcomed the BIMSTEC Secretariat’s efforts to secure observer status at the Asia/Pacific Group on Money Laundering and encouraged it to explore partnerships with organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

Reaffirming the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, non-aggression, peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and mutual benefit, the declaration stated that security cooperation under BIMSTEC would complement, rather than replace, bilateral, sub-regional, regional and multilateral cooperation among member states.

NEW YORK, October 14 — Nepal has been elected to the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for the 2027–2029 term, securing 173 out of 180 votes in the United Nations General Assembly, according to a press statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the United Nations in New York.

Nepal received the highest number of votes among the countries elected in its group, reflecting strong support from UN member states for its membership on the 47-member human rights body.

Nepal previously served two consecutive terms on the Human Rights Council from 2018 to 2023.

In a statement following the election, Nepal’s Permanent Mission expressed profound appreciation and gratitude to all UN member states for their trust and confidence in Nepal’s commitment to advancing multilateralism, human rights, international law and a rules-based international system with the United Nations at its core.

The mission also congratulated Brazil, Burundi, the Dominican Republic, Germany, Ghana, Ireland, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Moldova, Nigeria, Ukraine, Uruguay and Zambia on their election to the council for the 2027–2029 term.

Nepal said it looks forward to working closely with UN member states and other partners to safeguard human dignity, promote inclusion and social justice, and advance equitable development for all, ensuring that no one is left behind.

The Human Rights Council is the UN’s principal intergovernmental body responsible for promoting and protecting human rights around the world. Its members are elected by the General Assembly.

Nepal has been hit by another major flash flood just 46 days after the devastating Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood of August 26.

The latest flash flood occurred in the Budhi Gandaki River in Gorkha district, in north-central Nepal. The country is still struggling to recover from the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli flood that struck on August 26.

Authorities have reported that the flood, which occurred early on the morning of October 11, damaged houses and bridges. However, a full assessment of the damage has yet to be completed. Local residents have said they have never experienced a flood of such magnitude before.

The cause of the flood remains unclear. A glacial lake outburst is suspected, as there have been no reports of heavy rainfall in the upstream areas.

According to Dr. Dharmaraj Upreti, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, an avalanche may have occurred in the northern region, sending snow, mud and other debris into the river and triggering the flood. He said this information was based on telephone conversations with local residents.

Following the flood, the Nepali Army deployed personnel by air and land to conduct search and rescue operations. An Army contingent carried out an aerial evacuation of six people from the Jagat area, which is at risk of landslides. A Composite Quick Reaction Team stationed in Kathmandu was also deployed to the area by air to support the rescue and response efforts.

The water level in the Budhi Gandaki River has risen above the danger level and continues to fluctuate. The government has advised people living in downstream areas to move to higher ground as a precaution.

Nepal Police and the Nepali Army have rescued several people. Preliminary reports indicate that the flood has caused substantial damage to infrastructure, including bridges, schools and private homes. There are also reports of missing people, although the number of missing persons has yet to be confirmed.

Gagan Kumar Thapa has been elected president of the Nepali Congress (NC) at a critical juncture for the party, which is grappling with a deepening internal split and mounting challenges to restore its political strength and public credibility.

Thapa secured 6,584 votes, defeating his contender, Shyam Krishna Khadgi, who received 375 votes. According to the Election Committee, 7,039 of the 7,317 General Convention delegates cast their ballots, of which 54 were declared invalid.

Thapa’s election comes amid growing divisions within the country’s oldest democratic party. The faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba is preparing to hold a parallel convention, while senior leader Shekhar Koirala has yet to align himself with either faction, further complicating efforts to restore unity within the party.

One of Thapa’s foremost challenges will be to rebuild the party’s organizational strength and consolidate its support base following the divisions among leaders and factions. The party’s internal cohesion has weakened amid prolonged factional rivalries, undermining its ability to present a united front in the national political arena.

Although Thapa has succeeded in attracting a section of younger people to the party, his election has not prevented a vertical split within the organization. Bringing rival factions together, rebuilding trust among party members and strengthening the party’s grassroots network will be crucial to his leadership.

Thapa’s first major political test is expected to come in the upcoming local elections. The party’s electoral performance will serve as an early indicator of his ability to translate his leadership mandate into organizational revival and renewed public support.

At 50, Thapa assumes leadership at a time when traditional political parties face growing public discontent, particularly among younger voters who have become increasingly critical of established political leadership and its record in governance.

For Thapa, the challenge extends beyond managing internal disputes. He must also demonstrate that the Nepali Congress can renew its political vision, improve its public image and respond to the aspirations of a younger generation increasingly disillusioned with conventional politics.

Whether Thapa can turn his electoral victory into a broader party revival will depend on his ability to bridge internal divisions, strengthen the organization and restore public confidence ahead of the next electoral contest.

Kathmandu-- The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking to strengthen Washington’s engagement with smaller South Asian countries, including Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

The approach reflects a shift in emphasis towards trade and investment, defence cooperation, energy security, critical minerals and opportunities for American businesses.

During the early months of Trump’s second term, South Asia appeared to receive limited high-level diplomatic attention, amid Washington’s focus on other regions, including Latin America, Africa, the Middle East and the war in Ukraine.

 Several key diplomatic positions also remained vacant, raising questions about the administration’s priorities in the region.

However, Washington now appears to be placing greater emphasis on South Asia, with senior U.S. officials signaling a renewed effort to strengthen ties with countries that have often received less attention than larger regional powers.

On September 24, Bethany Pulos Morrison, deputy assistant secretary in the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, told reporters in New York that the region had not received sufficient attention in the past.

“But really, we see South Asia as a critical sort of part of the world that really has not gotten enough attention, and that is where President Trump has really made sure that he advised us to do so,” Morrison said. She also suggested that previous U.S. engagement had often intensified only when a crisis emerged, rather than through sustained attention to the region.

The emerging approach places greater emphasis on economic and strategic interests. Trade and investment, expanded defense cooperation, energy partnerships and access to critical minerals are among Washington’s priorities. A central objective is to create conditions that encourage American private companies to invest and expand their presence in South Asian markets.

This emphasis also marks a change in the relative prominence of traditional U.S. foreign policy concerns, including democracy, freedom of expression and minority rights. While these issues remain part of the broader bilateral relationship, the administration’s current approach places greater visible emphasis on economic and security cooperation.

The Trump administration has also sought to reassure regional partners that the United States will continue to provide emergency and humanitarian assistance despite the restructuring and closure of programs associated with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Climate change and long-term climate policy do not appear to be central priorities of the administration’s regional engagement. However, disaster response remains an important area of cooperation, particularly as floods, cyclones and other natural disasters continue to affect South Asian countries.

Nepal’s recent flood emergency offers an example. Following the devastating floods of August 26, 2026, the United States announced an additional $31 million in assistance for response and recovery, bringing its total support to more than $36 million.

Morrison said Washington was proud of its contribution and described the United States as the largest donor to Nepal’s flood response.

The assistance demonstrates Washington’s intention to maintain a humanitarian role even as its foreign assistance system undergoes significant changes. U.S. officials have argued that integrating USAID’s functions into the State Department has not slowed the delivery of assistance.

“We’ve actually become more nimble. We’re more efficient. We’re able to get resources out quickly,” Morrison said, citing the response in Nepal and the U.S. response to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah in 2025.

The administration’s claims of greater efficiency, however, should be considered alongside concerns that cuts to U.S. foreign assistance have affected critical sectors, including health and education. Emergency disaster relief and sustained development assistance serve different purposes, and continued support for the former does not necessarily compensate for reductions in the latter.

Trade and investment are becoming increasingly important components of Washington’s engagement with South Asia, with Bangladesh providing a prominent example.

On September 23, 2026, Biman Bangladesh Airlines signed an agreement with U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing to purchase 11 additional aircraft. The agreement follows an earlier order for 14 Boeing aircraft in April 2026, bringing the airline’s recent planned purchases from the manufacturer to 25 aircraft.

The agreement highlights the growing importance of commercial transactions in U.S.-Bangladesh relations. It is expected to support Boeing’s business and related employment, while helping Bangladesh expand and modernise its national airline.

Washington and Dhaka have also moved to deepen cooperation in civilian nuclear energy. On September 25, the two countries signed a strategic agreement on civil nuclear cooperation intended to advance the peaceful use of nuclear technology.

Beyond aviation and energy, the United States is seeking to expand commercial and technological ties across the region. The proposed expansion of Starlink, the satellite internet service operated by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, including in Nepal, is another example of the potential role of American technology companies in regional markets.

Critical minerals are also emerging as an area of interest. The United States is seeking to diversify access to strategically important mineral resources, creating potential opportunities for cooperation with South Asian countries. The extent of any resulting agreements will depend on negotiations, commercial viability and the interests of the countries involved.

In Sri Lanka, maritime security and the protection of critical infrastructure remain important elements of U.S. engagement.

The island’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean makes it relevant to regional shipping, trade routes and broader Indo-Pacific security. Washington has an interest in strengthening cooperation with Colombo on maritime security and maintaining a stable regional environment.

U.S. officials have also highlighted Sri Lanka’s role in the Indian Ocean during recent regional security developments, including tensions involving Iran. Such cooperation reflects Washington’s broader interest in working with regional partners to safeguard maritime routes and respond to emerging security challenges.

In Nepal, U.S. engagement extends beyond humanitarian assistance and economic cooperation to include law enforcement, security and infrastructure development.

Washington works with Nepal Police and other Nepali security agencies in areas of mutual concern, including efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen law-enforcement cooperation. Preventing human trafficking and addressing related transnational crime are also important to U.S. domestic and international security priorities.

The completion of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact remains another significant element of the bilateral relationship. The compact supports electricity transmission infrastructure and road maintenance, with implications for Nepal’s connectivity and economic development.

The United States is also seeking to expand commercial engagement with Nepal, including opportunities for American companies in telecommunications, technology, energy and other sectors. The broader challenge for Washington will be to translate these priorities into sustained investment and mutually beneficial partnerships.

The appointment of Sergio Gor as U.S. ambassador to India and special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs has provided the Trump administration with a senior political figure tasked with engaging leaders across the region.

Gor was nominated for the two roles in August 2025 and subsequently began engaging regional leaders. His dual role is intended to strengthen high-level engagement across South and Central Asia.

Morrison has emphasised that Washington attaches importance to its relationships in the region. “The fact that the U.S. cares about these relationship is very real,” she said.

U.S. officials have continued discussions with Nepali counterparts on bilateral cooperation and flood recovery, underscoring the importance of maintaining working-level diplomatic channels even when an ambassadorial position is vacant.

The Trump administration’s approach to smaller South Asian countries suggests a recalibration of U.S. priorities. Washington is placing greater emphasis on commercial opportunities, strategic infrastructure, defence cooperation, energy and critical minerals, while continuing to engage on humanitarian assistance and security issues.

After highlighting the issue of climate justice in the United Nations General Assembly, Nepal is preparing to raise some specific issues at the COP31 summit which is taking place in Turkey next month.

Nepal strongly calls for uncompromising fidelity to the 1.5C threshold because, for the high mountains and low-lying atolls, every fraction of a degree is a matter of pure survival. But the world is all on course to miss the threshold, as big countries are increasing investment in fossil fuel instead of decreasing the dependency.

The next major point that Nepal is raising is predictable, grant-based adaptation finance that delivers direct liquidity without imposing debt. Nepal is also calling for the reform of the functioning of the Loss and Damage Fund, whose processes remain slow. In the upcoming COP summit, Nepal will raise the issue of a fully capitalized, operation loss and damage fund that removes bureaucratic hurdles to reach vulnerable communities immediately.

Similarly, Nepal has proposed a formal ‘Sagarmatha to the Sea’ partnership, linking mountain and ocean communities through cooperation, knowledge sharing, and stronger collective voice.

According to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, the countries in the Pacific confront that same crisis through tides that rise a little higher each year and cyclones that become fiercer by the season.
“Nepal will always highlight rising seas,” said Khanal, adding that he hopes the Pacific will also talk about the ice that melts in the Himalayas. “Let us unite this shared civilizational wisdom. From Sagarmatha to the Blue Pacific, let us turn our shared vulnerability into shared action; our shared challenges into shared solutions; and our solidarity into a stronger voice for climate justice.”

As far as the issue of highlighting the issue of climate justice is conferenced, the initiatives taken by the government are positive. But without taking specific measures such as organizing donor seminars with bilateral partners and multilateral organizations, Nepal’s pitch for climate justice is likely to go in vain.

It is already too late to organize such a conference. So far, the Nepal government is doing everything possible rhetorically, but it has yet to take concrete steps. Hence, Nepal is unlikely to get substantial grants from the international community.

A devastating flash flood triggered by an ice-and-rock avalanche along the Nepal-China border sent millions of tons of mud, water, and debris surging through the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli river basins, leaving severe destruction across eight central and southern districts.

 According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the official death toll has reached 1,358 across Chitwan, Nawalparasi East, Nawalparasi West, Nuwakot, Rasuwa, Gorkha, Dhading, and Tanahun. Body identification remains a major challenge due to severe decomposition and fragmentation, with only 102 bodies formally identified and returned to families so far. The death bodies as per the districts are as following: 

• Chitwan: 363
• Nawalparasi East: 223
• Nawalparasi West: 222
• Nuwakot: 197
• Rasuwa: 170
• Gorkha: 75
• Dhading: 70
• Tanahun: 38

Nepal Police has requested relatives of missing persons to visit District Police Offices with proof of kinship and photographs to provide DNA testing samples. Meanwhile, an estimated 5,326 individuals remain missing. The missing number as per the district are as following:

• Rasuwa District: 2,860 missing (including 1,393 local residents, 1,286 from other districts, 45 Nepali Army soldiers, 25 Nepal Police officers, 12 Armed Police Force personnel, 73 civil service employees, and 26 financial institution staff).
• Nuwakot District: 1,981 residents unaccounted for, according to the District Administration Office.
• Foreign Tourists: Approximately 587 foreign nationals missing across the flood zone.

Despite the destruction, emergency services have rescued 13,583 survivors from flooded areas, while medical personnel have treated 7,037 injured individuals, the vast majority handled by field medics from the Nepali Army and Armed Police Force. 

A total of 3,628 displaced survivors are currently sheltered across 37 government holding centers in Nuwakot, Rasuwa, and Dhading, supported by over 150 deployed psychosocial health personnel.

Operations are being maintained by 21,146 security personnel who continue search, clearance, and supply operations, including targeted efforts at critical infrastructure sites such as the Rasuwagadhi Hydroelectric Project. 

Internationally, the U.S. State Department has appointed Megan Bouldin as Charge d’Affaires at the Embassy in Kathmandu to assist in relief efforts and support affected citizens. The Nepali Army and foreign search teams are continuing rescue operations across the flooded hydropower projects.

 On the financial front, the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers reported that approximately NPR 12 billion—specifically NPR 11,77,67,50,261—has been deposited into government disaster relief funds as of Tuesday morning.

Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Kathmandu 

Soon after the Bhotekoshi flood swept away several villages in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading on August 26, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi telephoned Prime Minister Balendra Shah to express condolences over the loss of life and property, assuring him of all necessary humanitarian assistance. Modi was the first foreign leader to reach out to the Nepali Prime Minister.

On the same day, India dispatched 10 tons of relief material—including temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps, and medicines—becoming the first responder to Nepal’s crisis. As with the 2015 earthquake, India demonstrated its role as a reliable neighbor capable of delivering rapid humanitarian aid. Although the Indian rescue team was prepared to arrive immediately, official permissions from the Nepali government caused brief delays. Currently, Indian rescue personnel are working in close coordination with the Nepali Army, with India having delivered seven batches of humanitarian support to date.

Similarly, China has provided vital humanitarian and logistical aid, dispatching its fifth batch of relief material. On August 28, Chinese President Xi Jinping chaired a party meeting to address the grim situation and instructed authorities to assist Nepal.

China has already handed over Bailey bridges to Nepal, which has requested 20 additional structures to restore connectivity. Furthermore, Chinese meteorological authorities are offering weather monitoring, forecasting, and early warning services, while a team of 10 forensic experts was sent to assist with victim identification. Financial support from Beijing includes $2 million in emergency cash assistance to the government and $20,000 from the Red Cross Society of China to the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund.

The prompt assistance from both neighbors has drawn widespread appreciation from political leaders and the public alike, with many expressing gratitude on social media. In a Facebook post, PM Shah praised both countries, stating that India and China have stood as strong pillars of support during Nepal’s hardship.

This coordinated relief effort is likely to have long-term implications for Nepal’s foreign policy. While Nepal has long advocated for a balanced, friendly relationship with both powerhouses, the crisis highlights the practical need to maintain deep, trustworthy ties with each side.

However, the flood is also expected to reignite debates in Kathmandu regarding the limitations of trade with China and the transit viability of Chinese ports. Although the 2016 Transit and Transport Agreement symbolically ended Nepal’s sole dependence on India, structural and geographic constraints remain—vulnerabilities exposed by the Bhotekoshi flood.

While the Korala border point is open, high costs limit its utility. Following the Bhotekoshi flood, Nepal’s major trading points at Rasuwagadhi and Tatopani remain closed. This is not unprecedented—Tatopani remained virtually closed for years following the 2015 earthquake. With northern trade corridors blocked, Nepal’s reliance on India for transit and essential supplies is set to increase further.

Looking ahead, Nepal will need to engage both neighbors heavily for post-flood recovery and reconstruction. In the immediate term, the government is relying on Indian and Chinese Bailey bridges to restore transport networks along damaged river corridors.

Over the long term, Kathmandu plans to seek substantial financial and technical aid from both nations for infrastructure rebuilding. China is expected to help maintain the highway leading to Rasuwagadhi and construct other infrastructure needed to resume border operations. In a conservation with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated that Nepal stands ready to strengthen cooperation with China in areas such as post-disaster reconstruction, disaster prevention and mitigation, and climate change responses, as well as to further advance the strategic partnership between the two countries.

This crisis may also lead the countries to collaborate on tackling non-traditional security challenges. Nepal’s top priority will be reopening border points with China, an effort that requires significant Chinese assistance. This collaboration is likely to help bridge the mistrust between the political leadership of the two countries following last year’s Gen Z movement.

India, on the other hand, has already expressed willingness to support the reconstruction of infrastructure, including school buildings. Following the earthquake in April 2015, India and China, emerged as the leading international partners in the country’s immediate emergency relief as well as its post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts. This crisis is likely to push the government toward a more proactive, neighborhood-first diplomatic strategy.