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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal's high-level participation in the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Awaza city of Turkmenistan reflected our serious concerns towards the challenges facing LLDCs.

Taking time out at today's meeting of the House of Representatives, PM Oli briefed about the Nepali delegation's visit to the conference which was held from August 5-7.

Oli appraised, "Nepal has raised voice in the interest of the landlocked developing countries in the international forum. Nepal's participation and address in the conference's major sessions and thematic roundtable had not only enhanced Nepal's international image but also conveyed the message that Nepal could also assume the leadership role."

The PM expressed his confidence that the formal and informal addresses and bilateral meetings during the conference have further strengthened Nepal's relations with its friendly nations and contributed to consolidate cooperation between Nepal and the United Nations.

Stating that the conference was successful in identifying the ways and means to address the challenges like transit related inefficiencies facing landlocked countries like Nepal and endorsing the Awaza Program of Action, PM Oli shared that the participants in the conference affirmed their commitment to fulfill the LLDCs' aspirations for development. 

The conference was attended by representatives of around 100 countries including the Head of the States, Head of the Governments, General-Secretary of the United Nations and President of the United Nations' 79th General Assembly.

PM Oli further informed the House that he addressed the plenary of the conference as the Chair of the group of the least developed countries and on the behalf of Nepal and shed lights on the challenges faced by LLDCs.

According to him, his addresses were focused on raising issues facing the LLDCs such as lack of infrastructures, limited market access, dependence on primary-products export, high transit costs, low foreign investment and adverse impacts of climate change. 

"I emphasized the need to enhance mutual cooperation and partnership among the LLDCs and called on the development partners for increased support to resolve these issues" Oli mentioned, recalling his address to the high-level conference.

"In my address as the Prime Minister of Nepal, I highlighted Nepal's efforts towards promotion of cross-border connectivity through development of climate-resilient infrastructures, expansion of highways and railways, construction of trade corridors and green energy corridors. I also urged neighbouring countries, development partners and donor agencies to provide additional support towards our journey," said Oli.

Oli, in the inaugural of the high-level thematic roundtable themed 'Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation and Regional Integration for LLDCs' which he co-chaired, highlighted the challenges LLDCs are facing due to lack of direct sea access and high transport costs. 

He said that he pressed for effective and concrete actions to improve the living standard of around 600 million people in these countries.

While addressing another thematic roundtable themed 'Structural Transformation, Diversification and Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as Drivers of Prosperity in LLDCs' which he co-chaired, Oli urged the LLDCs to leverage STI for increasing productivity, mobilizing resources, creating employment opportunism and increasing integration into global value chains to bring about structural transformation in these countries.

In another roundtable titled 'Enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening resilience and addressing vulnerability to climate change', Oli pointed out the need to increase LDDCs' access to climate funds, develop effective adaptation measures, utilize the Loss and Found Fun, build capacity and facilitate technology transfer.

Likewise, in another thematic roundtable themed 'Building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening connectivity and promoting unfettered transit systems for LDDCs, Oli underlined the importance of strategic partnership among transit countries, development partners and international communities for the sustainable development of the LLDCs.

He saw the need for innovative financial mechanisms, technology transfer and capacity building programs tailored to LLDCs specific requirements.

Furthermore, the Head of the Government apprised the House that he delivered his address as a key speaker in the high-level roundtable sessions such as 'Glacial Melt and Beyond: Unraveling the Climate Challenge impacting LLDCs' and 'Promoting regional security and cooperation through enhanced trade and transport connectivity'.

PM Oli also notified about the bilateral meeting with President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov and other dignitaries on the sidelines of the conference.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has denied 'rumours' that the government is planning to amend the law to legalize polygamy.

Addressing today’s session of the House of Representatives (HoR), the Prime Minister clarified that polygamy is not recognized under existing laws, and there are no plans to change that.

“It is completely untrue,” he said. “Such a law is unimaginable for those who have fought for democracy.”

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government is never intended at taking political revenge against any individual remanded to police custody for alleged involvement in significant cooperative fraud.

Addressing today's session of the House of Representatives (HoR), the Prime Minister said that this is not the first time a high-profile political figure has been remanded to custody. Such cases had occurred in the past as well.

"A false narrative is being pushed that the government is attempting to take political revenge against an individual under investigation for alleged involvement in cooperative fraud," he said.

He further added that it is inappropriate to continuously obstruct the House over the confinement of a person who is under police investigation, especially when the case is sub judice in court.

The Prime Minister was referring to the parliamentary protest by lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), who have objected to the remanding of their party Chair, Rabi Lamichhane, over allegations of cooperative fraud.

PM Oli stressed the need to strengthen all pillars of democracy including the Parliament, government, and judiciary, by keeping them away from the influence of "mass manipulation." He reiterated that judicial decisions are independent and are not influenced by the government.

He also stated that the government remains focused on promoting political and policy stability, as well as reviving the economy.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed that the Parliament should not be used as a platform for creating social media content based on fabricated and misleading narratives.

He asserted that the current political coalition will remain intact until the next general elections, scheduled for 2084 BS.

It is all set, but both sides have yet to officially announce the upcoming visit of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India. Reports indicate that the visit is scheduled for 16–17 September 2025. In this connection, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is arriving in Kathmandu on Aug 17 for a two-day visit.

High-level diplomatic visits are held at mutually agreed times through diplomatic channels. When it is realized that high-level engagements are necessary, such sojourns are arranged in mutual consultation. It is worth noting that there are frequent high-level visits between the two countries. Since May 2014, there have been 17 exchanges at the level of Head of State or Head of Government. These visits occur as per requirements, and there has been no gap in the highest political communication between the two countries.

Political relations 

Nepal-India relations are underpinned by shared cultural and societal cohesion. Looking back over the seven decades of friendship between the two countries, political relations have always been maintained, even though some hitches and glitches have appeared. Even in the hardest times, there has been no disruption of the highest level of communication, which stands as a symbol of deep relations.

High-level meetings between the heads of government also take place on the sidelines of different multilateral and regional forums. On April 4, Prime Minister Oli and Indian Prime Minister Modi met during the sixth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit in Bangkok. Prime Minister Oli described the discussions as meaningful and constructive.

PM Oli and PM Modi also met on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly on 22 Sept 2024. The two leaders reviewed the bilateral relationship between India and Nepal and expressed satisfaction at the progress made in diverse sectors, including development partnership, hydropower cooperation, and people-to-people ties.

In Nepal, visits of the head of government to India have often been overstated, over-judged and over-concerned. This is unnecessary. Frequent communication at the highest level means that visits alone are not always the sole indicator of a smooth relationship.

Nepal requires India’s cooperation to realize the national aspiration of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” set by Prime Minister Oli. Encouragingly, Prime Minister Modi has praised this aspiration and pledged India’s support to help make it a reality.

Pending issues

Pending issues between Nepal and India should be addressed amicably through diplomatic negotiations—a sentiment reiterated by both Prime Minister Oli and Prime Minister Modi.

The bilateral mechanisms have been consistently active in addressing these issues. Some matters, such as boundaries and water resources, require time to resolve. Certain issues have persisted for decades, inherited from history. Nonetheless, both leaderships should ensure that bilateral relations move forward progressively.

In the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) Report, the Indian side has maintained that it will be accepted at an appropriate time. If Nepal continues to receive this response, it should avoid raising the issue unilaterally too frequently. Established in January 2016 at the highest political level, the EPG was tasked with reviewing agreements and treaties, including the 1950 Nepal-India Friendship Treaty. It had finalized its report in 2018.

On issues like border management, both governments remain engaged and committed to resolution through diplomatic dialogue. Political leaders should provide strategic direction, but implementation should be carried out efficiently by technical and bureaucratic levels. Currently, India and Nepal operate more than 40 bilateral institutional mechanisms covering the full spectrum of relations, and these should meet regularly to resolve pending matters.

In recent years, India’s economic support to Nepal has increased. Physical and digital connectivity has expanded through the construction of border roads, integrated checkposts, transmission lines and petroleum pipelines. Major power sector milestones include the finalization of the Long-Term Power Trade Agreement, the trilateral power trade agreement between India, Nepal and Bangladesh, and agreements for the development of hydropower projects in Nepal by Indian developers, such as the 480 MW Phukot Karnali and the 669 MW Lower Arun. Key connectivity projects now facilitate Nepal’s access to sea lanes of transport and commerce.

Neighbors first

Nepal is a priority partner of India under its “Neighborhood First” Policy. In every form of support extended to Nepal and in every high-level meeting, the Indian side invokes Prime Minister Modi’s Neighborhood First policy, which also applies to India’s other neighboring states.

In this spirit, PM Modi visited the Maldives on 25–26 July 2025 as the Guest of Honour at the celebrations of the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day. During the visit, he reiterated that India has supported and will continue to support infrastructure development projects aligned with the priorities of the Maldivian people. Similarly, Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka visited India on 15–17 Dec 2024. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Sri Lanka is India’s closest maritime neighbour in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and holds a central place in the Prime Minister’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighborhood First policy.

In Kathmandu, Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and his team have maintained warm diplomatic relations with the Government of Nepal and all major political parties. Ambassador Srivastava’s tenure has been marked by constructive diplomacy and mutual respect, helping to address and set aside earlier perceptions regarding external involvement in Nepal’s internal matters.

It appears that India has, of late, renewed its understanding with the Oli-led government in Nepal, reflecting a recognition of its shared responsibility toward a close and valued neighbour. Consequently, Prime Minister Oli’s visit to India has been scheduled, with several important agreements expected to be signed during the visit. 

Reportedly, Prime Minister Modi will visit Nepal thereafter. There is hope that this much-anticipated exchange of visits will mark a fresh chapter in bilateral relations, paving the way for a “new normal” of constructive engagement and mutual trust.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the meeting of the House of Representatives at 1 pm today. 

PM's media expert Ramsharan Bajgain stated that the PM would address the House about his recent foreign trip, achievements of the government and the contemporary issues.

Prime Minister Oli returned home on Friday after attending the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in Turkmenistan.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has stressed on the need of promoting good governance as a mega campaign to address the national aspiration of 'prosperous Nepal, happy Nepali'.

During his address to a program organized to mark the 24th establishment day of the National Vigilance Center at the Singha Durbar today, the Prime Minister called for considering the directive principles of the Constitution and ensuring prompt services to the citizens by refraining from corruption and irregularities.

The head of the government asserted that the state mechanism should be equally vibrant in terms of promoting transparency in the state deliveries and guaranteeing the citizens' right to access such services. 

He said, "Corrupt people in positions are not going to win the people's hearts."

Referring to the United Nations' commitment that 'no one is left behind', he affirmed the government's dedication to ensuring a secure and dignified life for all citizens. He reiterated the need for promoting good governance and called for collective initiatives to eliminate all forms of backwardness, with the goal of transforming the country into a developed nation.

The PM expressed hope that the Center would play a proactive role in achieving its vision.

Government chief secretary, chiefs of the security agencies and government secretaries among others were present in the program.

The meetings of the House of Representatives (HoR) and National Assembly (NA) are taking place today.

The HoR meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 pm.

In today's HoR meeting, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to present the annual report of the National Dalit Commission, 2080/81 BS.

Likewise, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant is to table the Tilganga Eye University Bill, 2081 to send the bill to the concerned committee for clause-wise discussions. The Tilganga Eye University Bill originated in the National Assembly.

Similarly, the NA meeting is taking place at 1:15 this afternoon.

At the meeting, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey is scheduled to present the Intangible Cultural Property (Protection) Bill 2081.

Likewise, a condolence motion is scheduled to be tabled in the meetings of both Houses to express condolence in the demise of the Constituent Assembly (CA) member and former State Minister Khadga Bahadur Basyal.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended best wishes to the youths on the occasion of the International Youth Day stating that this Day has inspired the youths for making them robust in social, economic, cultural and political sectors.

The PM has stated that the country's future was in the energy, creativity and dreams of youth. "Our positive thoughts, continued efforts and unified behaviors will fulfill our determination to make the nation prosperous," the PM stated in a Facebook post by sharing a message of best wishes on the International Youth Day.

The Day is marked in Nepal and across the globe today with the theme Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.

In Nepal, this Day has been marked since 2073 BS at the call of the National Youth Council. 

According to the UN, a resolution proclaiming August 12 as International Youth Day was adopted by the first session of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in 1998. The recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the fifty-fourth session of the UN General Assembly in 1999.  The International Youth Day was first marked in 2000. 

The UN has stated that as development partners work to translate and implement the global goals within specific local contexts, aligning them with community needs while maintaining consistency with national and international commitments, young people are critical partners. It added that youths bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that help bridge the gap between policy and practice. With over 65 percent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is not a luxury—it is a necessity, the UN stated.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government was determined to seek a permanent solution to the problem of irrigation in the Tarai.

Taking to social media, PM Oli expressed happiness over completion of 76.54 percent paddy plantation in eight districts of Madhes Province. He mentioned that the government is determined to find a permanent solution to irrigation by ending the dependency on rainwater in Tarai in the coming year.  

"I made an aerial inspection of the drought-hit zone in Tarai a few days ago. The government took special decision of relief and support in Tarai area, declaring Tarai-Madhes as drought-hit zone", the Prime Minister opined. 

PM Oli writes, "Activities for the installation of 500 deep-boring had been started for the time being. The construction of Sunkoshi-Marin diversion has been forwarded for a long-term solution. The rainfall also took place in Tarai-Madhes last week which has helped the paddy plantation. Total 76.54 percent paddy plantation has been completed in eight districts of Madhes Province. I hope that paddy will be planted in the remaining areas within a few days."

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli called on President Ram Chandra Paudel at Sheetal Niwas on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed the government's activities and contemporary political issues, the Prime Minister’s Office informed.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli briefed the President about his recent visit to Turkmenistan.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended his best wishes to all Nepali citizens on the occasion of the Gaijatra festival.

Taking to the social media today, the Prime Minister expressed hope that families grieving the losses of loved ones will soon find relief from their sorrow. He also wished that those observing the festival through humor and satire would enjoy it in good spirits.

In his message, the Prime Minister wrote that the tradition of participating in the Gaijatra festival helps bereaved families heal psychologically. The festival symbolizes that death is a universal and inevitable part of life, he added.

The eight-day Gaijatra festival typically begins on the first day of the waning moon in the month of Bhadra (Bhadra Krishna Pratipada) and concludes on Ashtami, according to the lunar calendar. It is primarily celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley and some other parts of the country to commemorate those who have passed away within the past year.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stated that Nepal has not made any mistakes regarding carbon emissions, but rather the country is simply bearing the consequences of others in terms of the impacts of climate change. 

“Our carbon emissions are negligible, yet we are hugely impacted by climate change, and Nepal is one of the major victims of this,” the Prime Minister said while addressing a side event entitled “Glacial Melt and Beyond: Unraveling the Climate Challenges Impacting LLDCs” of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries at Awaza in Turkmenistan on Thursday.

PM Oli said that as a Himalayan country, glacial melting was one of the major challenges of Nepal. 

He added that the Himalayas are not only a source of water, lives and livelihoods of billions of people downstream, it is our identity, national pride and our present and future. 

"Not only this,  the Himalayas and Oceans are interlinked, and they recharge each other. Himalayas are cooling centers of the planet earth. But, unfortunately, this is vanishing," the PM added. 

The issue of glacial melt is not just an environmental concern for countries like Nepal; it is a constant threat, striking at the heart of our development, security, and survival, according to the PM. 

Oli shared that Nepal has already been victims of devastation of glacial lake outburst floods. "Recently on July 8, on a clear day, glacial lake outburst caused catastrophic floods in the Lende River in Rasuwa district which swept away the connecting bridge between Nepal and China. The flood caused death tolls of about 20 people and damaged huge infrastructure," the PM shared.  

Such climate-induced disasters are occurring time and again and we are afraid that this may increase in the days to come, he added.  

On the occasion, the PM stated that our agriculture, hydropower, tourism, and biodiversity– all climate-sensitive sectors–are increasingly at risk.

"These threats extend beyond our national boundaries. What happens in our mountains has cascading effects across borders, regions, and generations," the PM viewed. 

The PM stated that under the current emissions trajectories, the Himalayan region may lose up to two-thirds of its glacier volume by the end of this century. 

Saying that the rivers born in the Himalayas—the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Indus and Mekong, among others, —are lifelines for billions, PM Oli mentioned that as glaciers recede, these river systems will dry up, threatening water availability, agriculture, and energy security.

"The melting of our glaciers is not simply a loss of ice—it is a loss of lives, livelihoods, heritage, and hope. The cry of the glaciers is not silent. It is loud, and urgent. It is a plea not just for action, but for justice."

The PM viewed, “we can save our Himalayas with concrete and concerted actions and the speed of glacial melting could be reduced through collection efforts.

PM Oli also shared with the world community that Nepal stands ready—to act, to partner, and to lead—so that the voices of the Himalayas do not fade beneath melting ice, but rises to inspire global climate justice.

Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said sustainable infrastructures, robust connectivity, and seamless transit are essential pillars of growth, resilience, and hope in the landlocked developing countries (LLDCs). 

PM Oli said it while addressing a High-Level Thematic Roundtable on 'Building sustainable infrastructure, strengthening connectivity, and promoting the unfettered transit systems for landlocked developing countries' in Awaza, Turkmenistan, today.  

According to him, they are a lifeline. Indeed, they form the backbone of economic transformation, and they are essential for our competitiveness, according to him. 

"As we enter the next decade of action, let us renew our collective determination to connect LLDCs — physically, digitally and economically— to the global opportunities. Let us focus on infrastructure, connectivity, and transit as urgent imperatives for equity, inclusion, and shared progress," the PM said. 

The PM further viewed that our progress continues to be hindered by a lack of sea access, remoteness from global markets, high trade costs, delayed transit, limited connectivity, and fragile infrastructure. This is the best forum to discuss these challenges and its innovative solutions, reiterated.   

"To overcome these structural challenges and vulnerabilities, we must invest in integrated and climate-resilient infrastructure that connects regions. We must harness digital technologies to unlock new opportunities. We must create seamless transit systems that are reliable, efficient, and predictable. We need to simplify, harmonize and modernize customs procedures," the PM explained. 

According to him, it is time to deliver on the promise and build a future where no states are left behind.

Nepal's priority on seamless transit

On the occasion, the Head of the government took time to share Nepal's ambition of ‘Prosperous Nepal and Happy Nepali.

 In order to fulfill this aspiration, Nepal has prioritized sustainable infrastructure, improved connectivity, and seamless transit systems for durable and accelerated economic growth. 

He informed the world that Nepal is actively expanding and reinforcing cross-border linkages to ensure smooth and uninterrupted transit and trade. 

Nepal is committed to deepening partnership with its neighboring countries and beyond in the spirit of economic cooperation, regional integration and shared progress, the Prime Minister said.

Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Chairperson Jin Liqun paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Thursday. 

They held a meeting on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) underway in Awaza of Turkmenistan. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has invited President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedow to visit Nepal.

During a meeting held between the two leaders today on the sidelines of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC), Prime Minister Oli invited the President to visit Nepal next year.

Giving a brief response to media persons of both countries after the meeting, Prime Minister Oli said that discussions were held on issues including bilateral interests, cooperation and collaboration and further strengthening the relations between the two countries.

On the occasion, he praised the development achieved by Turkmenistan in a short period of time and also shared about Nepal being upgraded to a developing country by 2026.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Oli thanked President Berdimuhamedov for the grand hosting of the UN conference on Landlocked Developing Countries in the city of Awaza. 

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to meet with heads of state and government of other countries later today.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and leader of the Nepali Delegation to the Third UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), has said LLDCs face a complex web of challenges for trade potentials.

Lack of direct access to the seas, high transit costs, poor infrastructure, long and uncertain transit routes, limited market access, over-reliance on a narrow range of primary commodities, vulnerability to global shocks, climate change-induced disasters are among those challenges that resulted in underdeveloped and vulnerable economies of these countries. 

The Prime Minister said this while chairing the High-Level Thematic Roundtable 2: Seizing the Transformative Potential of Trade, Trade Facilitation, and Regional Integration for Landlocked Developing Countries held today under the Conference in Awaza of Turkmenistan.  

"In this interconnected and interdependent world- trade is a powerful engine of economic growth. It can significantly contribute to the socio-economic development of LLDCs, like others. But, despite their huge trade potential, LLDCs account for just over one percent of global trade in goods.  And this imbalance stems not from a lack of ambition or effort, but from structural barriers," he said in his opening remarks. 

In this context, the Awaza Programme of Action for LLDCs has come with concrete measures for turning landlocked countries into land-linked ones by building infrastructures, investing in smart trade corridors, developing transport and logistics industries, digitalizing trade and customs processes, promoting trade of ICT products and services, deepening regional integration and fostering meaningful partnerships, he apprised the meeting. 

He advised that with sincere implementation of these measures, LLDCs can harness their trade potentials for inclusive and sustainable development. "For this, we need to strengthen cooperation and partnership at bilateral, regional and multilateral levels." 

He stressed that “we must deliver on the promise to double the share of LLDCs in global trade, expand their service exports, and foster more diversified and resilient economies. "We need to implement this Program of Action to bring prosperity to more than 570 million people living in LLDCs." 

He further stressed that "trade and transit rights of the LLDCs are a moral responsibility of all" and they need greater solidarity, enhanced financial and technological support, as well as fair and equitable trade opportunities.

Echoing the urgent need for collective push for fairer trade terms and transit regimes is urgent, he stressed that "LLDCs must not be left behind in the global trading system."

He reminded the gathering that the Sevilla Commitment, adopted in June this year, also acknowledges the LLDC Programme of action and expresses a strong commitment to its full and effective implementation. 

He added that, in this context, the roundtable serves as an important reminder for urgent actions, calling for renewed commitment and global solidarity.