People's trust growing towards UML, claims Chair Oli

CPN-UML and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that people's trust towards the CPN-UML has grown as the party has stood in favour of good governance, development, stability, national integrity and sovereignty.

Addressing the inaugural session of the second statue convention of the party which began at Sunrise Conference Centre, Godavari, of Lalitpur, from today, Chair Oli argued that the CPN-UML has always stood in favour of the country and the people without making any compromise.

"Nepali people have supported us even in difficult situations. We are always committed towards the prosperity of the nation and the people. We are in Mission 84 for a bright future", he underlined.  

The Prime Minister opined, " No one can stop the CPN-UML to get a majority in coming elections if we become successful to win people's trust after reaching out to the people. Let's carry out activities that are active among the people."

"We are campaigners for social justice and equality. Society has changed and our goal is socialism. We are moving forward to bring change in the country," he underscored. 

Stating that the party has got power to lead the movement due to trust shown by the general people and cadres towards the party, UML Chair Oli viewed that he is confident towards the wisdom of party leaders and cadres to retain the people's trust.

 

We have made it clear to China that Lipulek belongs to Nepal and we have not supported GSI: PM Oli

CPN-UML Chairman and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has asserted that an objection has been registered with China regarding the agreement between China and India to make the Nepali territory of Lipulek a trade route.

He said that he clearly expressed Nepal's disapproval on this matter during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the course of his visit to China from August 30 to September 3.

Inaugurating the party's Second Statute Convention that started today at the Sunrise Conference Hall in Lalitpur, Chairman Oli stated that he has been clearly communicating this matter with India as well.

PM Oli also clarified that there has been no support for China's Global Security Initiative (GSI).

 

 

Oli’s China visit, social media ban, and more

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit and the Victory Day Parade has drawn significant attention in political and strategic circles.

Following Oli’s meeting with President Xi Jinping, China issued a news release claiming that Nepal supported the Global Security Initiative (GSI), a claim quickly dismissed by Nepali officials. Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai clarified to the media that no such agreement had been reached. 

Criticism also emerged over Oli’s participation in the Victory Day Parade, with some arguing it could upset Japan, Nepal’s long-standing development partner. However, Oli’s decision to raise the Lipulekh issue with Chinese President Xi has been well received at home. UML leaders are already seeking to capitalize on this move, framing it as a matter of “nationalism” ahead of upcoming elections.

At the SCO, Nepal expressed its willingness to become a full member, providing Oli with the opportunity to engage directly with leaders from China, Russia, India, and beyond. During the summit, Oli stated that Nepal supports the Global Governance Initiative (GGI), a new proposal by Xi. On broader security strategies such as the GSI, Nepal has reiterated its consistent position: it will not join any military or strategic alliance.

Attention is now turning to Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visit to India, likely at the end of this month, though the trip may be delayed. As in Beijing, Oli is expected to raise the Lipulekh issue with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The timing is significant as the India-China agreement on Lipulekh pass has created a favorable environment for Oli to raise the matter with both neighbors. His handling of this issue in New Delhi will be closely watched at home.

To prevent possible misunderstandings with coalition partner Nepali Congress (NC), Oli included senior NC leader Purna Bahadur Khadka in his China delegation. As a result, NC leaders have remained largely silent on controversies surrounding the GSI and other issues. Over recent months, NC’s criticism of China has softened, reflecting a gradual rapprochement after a period of strained ties between 2015 and 2020.

Meanwhile, CPN (Maoist Center) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal reiterated that the border dispute with India should be resolved through diplomatic talks. 

Within Oli’s CPN-UML, preparations are underway for the party’s statute convention starting Friday. Speculation is growing over whether the party will reconsider former President Bidya Devi Bhandari’s membership. While Oli and the leadership appear unwilling to reinstate her, senior leaders like Surendra Pandey and Yubaraj Gyawali have expressed support for her return. 

In Parliament, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) have continued their boycott for over 100 days, demanding a high-level panel to probe into visit visa corruption. Although the Maoist Center initially joined their protest, it later compromised with ruling parties, leaving RSP and RPP with limited leverage due to their smaller numbers.

Within the CPN (Maoist Center), senior leader Janardhan Sharma is under pressure after questioning party chairperson Dahal’s leadership. He has also been targeted by a deepfake video alleging he is working at Oli’s behest, a claim he blames on Dahal’s inner circle. Deepfakes are increasingly troubling Nepali politics: RSP Vice-chair Swarnim Wagle has also filed a case at the cyber bureau, saying he too has been victimized.

Party disputes remain unresolved within the RPP, where tensions between president Rajendra Lingden and senior leader Dhawal Shumsher Rana have delayed the party’s central committee meeting. The conflict intensified after Lingden expelled several leaders aligned with Rana.

In legislative developments, the National Assembly has finally endorsed the long-debated Federal Civil Service Bill after years of disagreements between government and opposition. Separately, Nepal’s Immigration Department has announced a new digital tracking system for foreign tourists, beginning Sept 17. Visitors staying in star hotels will be required to register their personal details via a mobile app.

 

Tourism numbers continue to rebound. In August 2025, Nepal welcomed 88,680 tourists—a 22 percent increase compared to last year. India topped the list with 35,505 visitors, followed by China (7,533), the US (6,068), Sri Lanka (5,956), and Bangladesh (4,262). From January to August 2025, total arrivals reached 736,562.

Another significant government move this week came in the digital sphere. The Cabinet has decided to ban social media platforms that have not registered in Nepal. According to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, platforms like Facebook face restrictions for failing to comply with registration requirements. 

The decision follows a Supreme Court writ of mandamus directing the regulation of such platforms. Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung’s secretariat confirmed that the ministry will now enforce the ban. Experts warn the decision could disrupt content creators and businesses, while also undermining Nepal’s broader digital aspirations.

In the financial sector, Nepal’s 10 largest commercial banks have agreed to undergo international audits, with findings to be made public—a long-standing demand of the International Monetary Fund to address bad loan practices. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) will ensure an in-depth inspection of these banks.

The NRB has also introduced stricter rules on the use of CSR funds, requiring banks and financial institutions to channel them exclusively toward poverty alleviation and priority sectors.

In law enforcement, police have busted a human trafficking ring that used to smuggle Nepalis to India to sell their kidneys. The ringleader, Shyam Krishna Bhandari, and his associate have been arrested. Victims were reportedly lured from districts including Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Sindhuli, Nuwakot, and Dhading.

Finally, Nepal has achieved a new milestone in energy exports. According to Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, the country is now exporting over 1,130 MW daily to India and Bangladesh. If this trend continues, annual earnings could exceed Rs 86.38bn.

 

Nepal has not agreed on GSI, says Foreign Secretary Rai

The government has made it clear again that Nepal has not made any agreement on the China-proposed Global Security Initiative (GSI). 

The government has urged one and all not to rely on the baseless news circulated stating Nepal's agreement on the GSI following a bilateral meeting of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Chinese President Xi Jinping held on August 30 in China's Tianjin city on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).  

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said, "The government is firmly committed to the nation's non-aligned foreign policy. I urge all stakeholders not to make any comments without understanding such sensitive issues of the foreign policy."

Foreign Secretary Rai stated that the issues of the Global Security Initiative and other aspects of bilateral, regional and international concerns were discussed during the meeting between PM Oli and President Xi in Tianjin.

Following Prime Minister Oli's visit to China and his meeting with Chinese President Xi, the issue of Nepal's 'agreement' on GSI was raised by the lawmakers in the House of Representatives (HoR) meeting on Wednesday.

The HoR Members called for information to the House regarding the claims made by China through a statement issued by its Foreign Ministry.

Both ruling and opposition lawmakers insisted that the Prime Minister and the Foreign Ministry should respond before the House on this matter.

PM Oli invites Russian President Putin to visit Nepal

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to visit Nepal.

Prime Minister Oli invited President Putin to visit Nepal during his meeting in Tianjin.

Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said that discussions were also held on the participation of Nepalis in the Russian army.

According to him, those issues will be resolved through diplomatic channels.

Similarly, they also discussed various aspects of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Rai said that discussions were also held on the issue of operating direct flights between Nepal and Russia.

 

 

 

 

 

PM Oli returns home from China

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has returned home after completing his official visit to China. 

A 23-member delegation led by PM Oli had left for China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on August 30. 

The Prime Minister was received by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, and Chief Secretary Eka Narayan Aryal at VVIP Lounge in Tribhuvan International Airport this night. 

High ranking government officials, chiefs of security agencies and representatives of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal were also present on the occasion.

A contingent of the Nepali Army accorded a guard of honour to the Prime Minister.

Before returning home, Prime Minister Oli participated in the 80th anniversary celebration and special military parade organized in Beijing today. 

During the China visit, Prime Minister Oli addressed the SCO summit on September 1. 

Nepal has been a SCO dialogue partner since 2016.

Similarly, PM Oli had separate bilateral meetings with world dignitaries including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

PM Oli was accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, Vice President of the Nepali Congress and lawmaker, Purna Bahadur Khadka, PM's Advisor on Economic and Development Affairs, Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada, UML lawmake Chhabi Lal Bishwokarma and high level government officials.

 

Beijing’s anti-West posture and a test of Nepal’s neutrality

China on Wednesday held a military parade in central Beijing to mark the 80th anniversary of its victory in World War II, where Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli attended alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un.

The parade showcased hundreds of advanced weapons and 10,000 troops, underscoring China’s growing military might. Since becoming president, Xi Jinping has taken major steps to modernize the People’s Liberation Army, the world’s largest standing army. The event drew 26 heads of state and government, high-level representatives from various countries, and leaders of international and regional organizations, with Russia, North Korea, and Pakistan prominently represented.

According to Xinhua, this was the first military parade since China embarked on its “new journey” of modernization under Xi. Beijing has set 2035 as its target year to essentially complete modernization. The parade was followed by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit and Xi’s bilateral talks with Russia, North Korea, and other invitees.

China’s visible support for Russia and its partners is expected to complicate possible negotiations between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv to end the war in Ukraine. From the SCO summit to the victory parade, Beijing succeeded in bringing together countries whose relations with the US are already strained, many of whom were targets of Donald Trump’s tariff wars. Observers say this signals the weakening of the US-led order and the rise of a China-centered alternative.

Reacting to the presence of Putin and Kim in Beijing, Trump wrote on Truth Social: “Please give my warmest regards to Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-Un as you conspire against the United States of America.” On Aug 15, Trump and Putin had met in Alaska to discuss ending the Russia-Ukraine war, but no progress has been made since. In the same meeting, Trump also expressed interest in meeting Kim again, recalling their earlier encounters during his previous term.

China’s challenge to the US-led international system has become sharper since Trump began his second term as president. Soon after returning to the White House, Trump cut large portions of US aid to poor countries in health, education, and agriculture. Many in the Global South, facing resource gaps, have turned to China for assistance. While Beijing has not explicitly pledged to fill the void, it has gradually stepped in, drawing these countries closer.

The Trump administration believes it can handle Russia, China, and others individually, abandoning the coalition-based approach of former president Joe Biden. In practice, this has weakened US alliances. Trump has threatened to withhold security guarantees and imposed heavy tariffs even on close partners, pushing some to seek alternatives in Beijing. India, for example, once a key counterweight to China in the Indo-Pacific, was hit with a 50 percent tariff. As a result, India-US relations have nosedived, and New Delhi is now cautiously expanding trade ties with Beijing after easing border tensions.

Meanwhile, China, which is embroiled in tariff disputes with Washington since Trump’s first term, has been deepening outreach to neighboring states and Africa. Alongside its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it has rolled out new frameworks such as the Global Security Initiative, Global Civilizational Initiative, Global Development Initiative, and now the proposed Global Governance Initiative. These are presented as alternatives to the US-led order, seeking broader international support.

At the SCO summit, both China and Russia openly challenged the US-led order. In his address, Xi declared that the world had entered a “new period of turbulence and transformation,” adding that global governance stood at a crossroads. “History tells us that in difficult times, we must uphold peaceful coexistence, strengthen confidence in win-win cooperation, and advance in line with the trend of history,” Xi said, introducing his Global Governance Initiative as a step toward a more equitable world system and a “shared future for humanity.” Russia, for its part, has long been advocating for a new order to rival the existing one.

For Nepal, Oli’s participation in both the SCO summit and the military parade reflects deepening ties with China. During his earlier tenure, he signed a series of strategic agreements with Beijing, including a BRI framework. His latest visit will likely strengthen perceptions of him as a pro-China leader in New Delhi and Western capitals, raising questions about Nepal’s ability to maintain balanced relations with all major powers.

Domestically, Oli will face pressure to justify his presence at China’s victory parade while still upholding Nepal’s policy of neutrality and non-alignment. He took a careful step this time by including senior Nepali Congress leaders and ministers in his delegation. At the same time, his upcoming visit to India will test his ability to project balance and assure critics that Nepal is not tilting toward any single power.

 

PM Oli departs for home

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today left Beijing for home after concluding his official visit to the People's Republic of China beginning on August 30. 

He had arrived here to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit held in Tianjin, at the friendly invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

Chinese government senior officials, China's ambassador to Nepal and Nepal's ambassador to China were at the Beijing International Airport to see off Prime Minister Oli and his delegation. 

The Prime Minister also joined a special military parade here today organized to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance.

On that occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the heads of state/government present at the ceremony.

After the parade, PM Oli attended the luncheon organized by Chinese President Xi.

During the China visit, the Prime Minister held a separate meeting with world leaders including the Chinese President, his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and Russia's President Vladimir Putin. 

The Prime Minister addressed the SCO Summit on September 1. 

Nepal has remained as a dialogue partner of the SCO since 2016.  

The Prime Minister's entourage includes his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Science and Technology Raghuji Panta, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, Nepali Congress (NC) lawmaker Purna Bahadur Khadka, Prime Minister's economic and development advisor Dr Yubaraj Khadka and CPN (UML) lawmaker Chhabilal Bishwakarma among others. 

 

PM Oli attends special military parade in China

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli attended a special military parade in Beijing today organized to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance.

On the occasion, Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed the heads of state/government present at the ceremony.

After the parade, PM Oli attended the luncheon organized by Chinese President Xi.

PM Oli is currently on a visit to China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit at the friendly invitation of the Chinese President.

Prime Minister Oli is returning home today after completing his official visit to China.

PM Oli returning home today

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is returning home today after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit-2025 at the invitation of President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping. 

Prime Minister Oli had departed to Tianjin, China on August 30 leading a 23-member Nepali delegation. 

During the official visit, Prime Minister Oli held a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin. 

Also on the occasion, the Prime Minister addressed the SCO Plus Summit in Tianjin. On the sidelines of the Summit, Prime Minister Oli had held bilateral meetings with some world leaders. 

Nepal has been a dialogue partner of the organization since 2016. Established in 2001, the SCO has transformed into one of the largest regional organizations in the world. 

China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Belarus are its full member states. 

Afghanistan and Mongolia are the observer nations. Nepal, along with Turkey, Sri Lanka, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Cambodia, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Maldives, Myanmar, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, are the dialogue partners of the SCO.  

On the occasion, PM Oli had a meeting with China's Vice President Han Zheng in Beijing, 

Likewise, bilateral meetings were held with Russian Federation President Vladimir Putin, President of the Maldives Dr Mohamed Muizzu, Prime Minister of Cambodia Dr Hun Manet, Prime Minister of Lao People's Democratic Republic Sonexay Siphandone and Prime Minister of Socialist Republic of Vietnam Pham Minh Chinh. 

PM Oli is accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, lawmakers Purna Bahadur Khadka and Chhabilal Bishwakarma, PM's Economic and Development Advisor Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, and other high-ranking government officials. 

 

Prime Minister Oli in Beijing

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli arrived in Beijing today following his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Plus Summit held in Tianjin from August 31 to September 1.

The Prime Minister travelled from Tianjin to Beijing by train. 

Local government officials and artists gathered at Tianjin Railway Station to bid farewell to the Prime Minister and his delegation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to meet with Han Zheng, Vice President of the People’s Republic of China, today, in Beijing.

 

PM Oli to leave for Beijing from Chinese port city Tianjin

With the conclusion of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025in Tianjin City of China on Monday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Beijing today.

In the Chinese capital city, PM Oli is scheduled to meet with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng today. 

Likewise, the PM and Nepali delegation would join the welcome banquet hosted by the Vice President of China.   

PM Oli has already held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin, China. 

The Prime Minister is scheduled to participate in the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War on September 3.

 

PM Oli, Russian President Putin hold meeting

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on Monday. 

PM Oli is currently in Tianjin, China to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Summit. 

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed a wide range of issues concerning bilateral relations between the two countries. 

They also deliberated on further strengthening cooperation through exchange of high-level visits and enhancing cooperation across various sectors including economics, education, culture, information technology and investment. 

 

Nepal is now eager to become a full member of SCO: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has floated a proposal to make Nepal a full member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

Addressing the SCO Plus meeting held in Tianjin, China on Monday, he said that Nepal is now eager to become a full member of the organization.

Saying that the SCO should be made more united, integrated and flexible, Prime Minister Oli recalled that Nepal has been participating as a dialogue partner since 2016.

“We want SCO to be more united, integrated and flexible which can face growing geopolitical, economic and environmental challenges.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Oli underscored the need to revive multilateralism.

“No country can remain secured alone, no people can be prosperous by dividing themselves,” the Prime Minister said. That is why multilateralism is the need of the hour.”

Expressing concern over the climate crisis, Prime Minister Oli said that the melting of ice in the mountains is putting the lives of billions of people at risk.

On a different note, he stated that terrorism, cyber attacks, pandemics and environmental crises are common problems.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prime Minister Oli addresses SCO  Summit

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit today.

In  his address, he spoke on national interests, bilateral, and international issues. 

The summit, which began on Sunday at the Tianjin Meijian Conference Centre in Tianjin, China, is attended by heads of state and government, including Prime Minister Oli.

Prime Minister Oli is on a five-day visit to China starting from August 30, at the friendly invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. 

The bilateral meetings between Prime Minister Oli and various heads of state and government are underway.

 

 

PM Oli holds bilateral meeting with Maldivian President Muizzu

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is presently in China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, held a bilateral meeting with the Maldivian President, Dr Mohamed Muizzu, today.

The meeting took place in Tianjin, the venue of the Summit.

During the meeting, both leaders discussed impacts of climate change and the responsibilities of major nations to address the global crisis.

Prime Minister Oli proposed enhanced collaboration between Nepal and the Maldives on climate resilience, particularly focusing on safety and sustainability 'from the mountains to the sea,' according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

High-level officials from the Prime Minister’s delegation to China were also present at the meeting.