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CPN-UML, the second-largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives, is undergoing an intense internal conflict, though it is far less vocal than the turmoil inside the Nepali Congress. Almost all senior leaders believe that Chairman KP Sharma Oli should step down for the sake of the party, arguing that his image has been tarnished by the killing of 19 students during the Sept 8 GenZ protest, when he was prime minister.

While some leaders have openly demanded his resignation, others remain hesitant, fearing that if Oli wins the party leadership next month, they could face the same fate as the many leaders who were sidelined after Oli became the UML chairman in 2015.

Senior leaders such as Ishwar Pokhrel, Surendra Pandey and Astha Laxmi Shakya have publicly stated that Oli should not contest the leadership election. Despite this, Oli is preparing to seek unanimous endorsement as party chair at the general convention scheduled for Dec 13-14 in Kathmandu. Many leaders worry that he could manipulate the process of selecting convention representatives to secure his victory.

In the 2021 convention, Bhim Rawal had challenged Oli, but was ultimately pushed out of UML. Rawal has now joined the Nepali Communist Party formed by former Maoist leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal. Dahal, having dropped the Maoist label, is now working to consolidate fringe communist groups under his leadership. Likewise, after a prolonged rivalry with Oli, Madhav Kumar Nepal split from UML to form his own party, CPN (Unified Socialist). Now he too has joined the Nepal Communist Party.

UML insiders say defeating Oli at the convention remains a herculean task, given his strong organizational grip. To maintain control, Oli even blocked the possible entry of former President Bidya Devi Bhandari by stripping her of party membership without any compelling justification. Bhandari, however, continues to oppose Oli from outside the party and is strongly backing senior leader Ishwar Pokhrel for party chair. Many senior leaders are also gravitating toward Pokhrel, and his faction is expected to restore Bhandari’s membership if they secure the leadership.

At a recent party meeting, Pokhrel informed Oli directly that he intends to run for the UML leadership. He is preparing to issue a public appeal to convention representatives in the coming days. Senior leaders Astha Laxmi Shakya, Yubaraj Gyawali, Surendra Pandey, Yogesh Bhattarai and Gokarna Bista have already rallied behind him. Meanwhile, senior leader Bishnu Poudel, who served as finance minister under Oli, has adopted a neutral stance, remaining silent on the leadership dispute despite his strong organizational influence across the country.

The conflict, however, is not limited to leadership. Many top leaders are dissatisfied with the party’s policy direction following the GenZ movement. They oppose Oli’s decision to form the National Volunteers Force, which they fear could trigger internal confrontations. Despite objections from key office bearers, Oli moved ahead with the plan and began coordinating directly with Mahesh Basnet, bypassing party structures.

These leaders argue the party cannot reject elections outright while focusing solely on restoring Parliament. They believe Oli is inflaming political tensions rather than helping stabilize the national environment, which has led to clashes between UML cadres and GenZ activists. 

Leaders worry that his refusal to acknowledge the concerns of young people could damage the party’s electoral prospects. Several senior leaders say that although the violence on Sept 8–9 was unprecedented, the party must recognize the underlying demands of the youth, particularly the need to curb corruption and improve governance. 

Rejecting the September protests will alienate the youth, one senior official said on condition of anonymity. The leader added that Oli now appears to be using the party’s institutional strength to shield himself from potential action over his role in those events, a move they warn will harm UML in the long run.

With the Nepali Congress already committing to elections, UML finds itself increasingly isolated. The Nepali Communist Party led by Dahal and other fringe parties have also decided to contest the polls on 5 March 2026. 

As the general convention approaches, Oli’s position among office bearers is weakening. Only a handful of senior leaders, including Pradeep Gyawali, Shankar Pokhrel, Bishnu Rimal and Prithvi Subba Gurung, continue to back him strongly, while most others either openly criticize him or support a change in leadership.

Day two of the CPN (UML) Second Statute Convention, underway at the Godavari Sunrise Convention Centre, continued with panel discussions on various reports presented earlier during the convention.     

According to Rajendra Gautam, Chief of the UML Publicity Department, ten panels have been formed based on provincial, valley, and central party structures to hold the discussions. The Koshi Province panel has already concluded its discussions and begun drafting its report.     

Leaders from the respective panels are expected to present their reports tomorrow. Party Chair and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli will address the feedback from the panel discussions. If any issues remain unresolved, they will be settled through voting before the party statute is prepared in an integrated manner.     

The convention is scheduled to conclude tomorrow, Sunday. (RSS)

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Bishnu Prasad Paudel has urged the media sector to pinpoint weaknesses of the government and effectively reach out the good works to the people. 

During his address to the 27th Annual General Meeting and convention of the Society of Economic Journalists Nepal (SEJON) here today, he said the media sector should advance its performance both critically and recommending ways. 

"It is the responsibility of the media to clearly expose any policy lacunas or weaknesses in their implementation," Paudel noted. Additionally, it is equally important to inform citizens about the achievements and work done for the public good by the government." 

On this occasion, Finance Minister Paudel emphasized the importance of economic journalism, stating the role of journalists is essential in enabling the country’s economy. 

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal noted the country's economy has been impacted by several reasons such as the COVID pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, but improvements have been seen recently. 

He mentioned FNCCI is always seeking ways the private sector can play a role in improving the economic sector of the country and has been continually advising the government on legal and practical reforms. 

Also speaking on the occasion, President of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) Birendra Raj Pandey shared the CNI's ongoing study on the need of investment in different sectors to improve the country's economy and the necessity of policy and legal reforms for this. 

President of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) Kamlesh Kumar Agarwal mentioned that although economic indicators have been improving, the private sector is still not ready for investment. 

He emphasized the implementation of the suggestions and recommendations provided by the High-level Economic Reforms Recommendation Commission to the government. 

Former presidents of SEJON expressed their views on the challenges facing the media sector, the quality of journalism, and the need for investigative reporting related to the economic sector. 

The convention will elect new leadership for SEJON today. (RSS)

The CPN (UML) will continue its second statute convention today. 

The presentation of the reports remaining from yesterday will be delivered, today, on the second day of the convention underway at the Sunrise Hall in Godawari, Lalitpur. 

UML publicity department chief, Rajendra Gautam informed that the convention will start from 8:00 am. 

Today, chairpersons of the central disciplinary commission, Keshav Badal, the central accounting commission, Dr. Pushpa Kandel, and the central election commission, Dr. Bijay Subba, will present the reports from their respective bodies. 

It may be noted that party chair KP Sharma Oli had presented the political report, while party vice-chair Bishnu Prasad Paudel presented the proposal for statute amendments, and secretary Pokhrel presented the organizational report yesterday. Chair of the central advisory council, Amrit Kumar Bohora, had also presented his report. 

Gautam shared that the representatives would be divided into various ten groups today for group discussions on the reports. 

A total of 2,341 representatives from across the country are participating in the convention which will last tomorrow.  (RSS)

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on Saturday, marking a significant step in strengthening Nepal-China relations. The meeting took place at the Tianjin State Guest House on the sidelines of the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit.

During his official visit to China, which will continue until September 3, Prime Minister Oli is set to address the SCO Plus Summit on September 1 and participate in events commemorating the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression on September 3. The visit also includes planned meetings with other world leaders, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnamese Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chinh.

The discussions between Prime Minister Oli and President Xi focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, infrastructure development, and regional connectivity. Both leaders also reviewed the implementation of agreements from previous high-level visits and explored opportunities for further collaboration within the SCO framework.

 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has departed for China on an official visit on Saturday morning. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is paying a visit to the People's Republic of China from August 30 to September 3, at the cordial invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The Prime Minister has been invited to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025 and 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.  

The Prime Minister is accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya.     

During the visit, Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to meet with President Xi in Tianjin. He will also address the SCO Plus Summit in Tianjin on September 1. On the sidelines of SCO Summit, the Prime Minister will meet some world leaders attending the Summit. (RSS)

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that Nepal earned a profit of Rs 4.5bn from power trade. He shared this information with the public through a social networking site post on Saturday.    

"We have successfully exported electricity worth Rs 4.5bn, more than our imports this year. We are gradually reducing the volume of electricity imports,” he wrote.    

The Prime Minister also stated that although power outages had been ended for the public in the past, it had continued for industrial purposes. However, power supply to industries has now been extended as well. (RSS)

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has once again stated his claim that Lord Ram was born in Nepal and made another new claim—that Lord Shiva could have been of the Chamling community from eastern Nepal.

Speaking at a national seminar on ‘Tourism in Nepal: Status, Challenges and Possibilities’ by CPN-UML’s Tourism Department at Kathmandu on Monday, Oli called for greater trust in selling Nepal as the birthplace of such revered spiritual figures as Ram and Shiva. “We keep talking a lot about how to develop tourism but don’t have the courage to say that Ram was born in Nepal,” Oli stated. “Why would we let people say he was born somewhere else by just making up things? We shouldn’t be afraid to speak the truth just because others would get angry.”

Repeating what he had said before, Oli said that Lord Ram was born in Thori, Madi area of Chitwan, which is currently a part of Nepal. “I am not saying it was Nepal then, but today the land is in Nepal. Whether it was a Tharu settlement or something else at that time, we have to accept the present situation,” he said.

He criticized the reluctance of Nepalis to assert such things, reasoning that fear of controversy should not stifle facts. “If speaking the truth makes you angry, then what are we living for?” he questioned. “We can’t even assert Ram was born here. That shows how afraid we have become.”

Oli also suggested Lord Shiva might have been a Chamling boy, referring to the sacred caves of Halesi in eastern Nepal that are connected to Shiva and are located in a region normally inhabited by Chamling people.

“Sometimes I wonder if perhaps Shiva might have been Chamling. The caves we call Halesi, where it’s believed that Shiva meditated, are located around the Chamling community. Perhaps he was Chamling,” Oli said. “But I’m not claiming anything—just making an educated guess. Through the years, different histories may have converged, but geography doesn’t alter.”

He also said that other great religious personalities like Vedvyas, Kapil Muni and Gautam Buddha were born in Nepal. Quoting the Valmiki Ramayan, he said sage Vishwamitra taught Ram and Lakshman west of the Koshi river, which means the incident took place within what is today’s Nepal. “I did not write the Ramayan—it explicitly states that Vishwamitra went across the Koshi and taught Ram and Lakshman. It is also obvious that Vishwamitra was from Chatara,” he stated.

Oli’s remarks are part of a broader initiative to try to put Nepal on the map as a nation of extreme historical and spiritual significance, though his statements continue to receive praise and criticism in equal measure. While some appreciate his attempts to unveil Nepal’s ancient heritage, others fault the historic validity and political motive behind doing so.

While these remarks may appeal to Oli’s nationalist base, they are likely to provoke unease in India, where Lord Ram and Shiva are deeply revered and closely tied to cultural identity. His comments could complicate his efforts to improve bilateral ties and may jeopardize his official visit to India which was supposed to happen soon, diplomatic sources suggest.

Oli’s statements echo similar claims made during his earlier term as prime minister, when he said Ram was not born in Ayodhya, India, but in Chitwan. That assertion had drawn sharp responses from Indian media and political circles.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Spain on June 28.

Prime Minister Oli is leaving for Spain at the invitation of United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

A Cabinet meeting held on Monday approved Prime Minister Oli's visit to Spain.

He will return home on July 4.

Similarly, the meeting has decided to withdraw the Water Resources Bill. 

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.

India has reiterated its position that border issues with Nepal will be resolved through bilateral mechanisms. 

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said: “We have a bilateral mechanism with Nepal to discuss these issues.” 

He further said: “Now, when you take some unilateral action, that does not mean that the situation on the ground will change or the reality will change.” 

So what is how we look these border issues that you pointed out, he said. The spokesperson was responding to a question asked whether Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and KP Sharma Oli during their meeting in Thailand discussed the border issues

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the businesspersons and industrialists to boost exports to the neighbouring countries, India and China by augmenting domestic production.

Inaugurating the 8th International Chamber Expo organized by the Nepal Chamber of Commerce at Bhrikutimandap today, PM Oli said identification of the most marketable goods and their international trade contributes to national economy.

The infrastructure development which is gaining a pace will be further intensified to ensure Nepal's graduation to the status of country with mid-level income by 2026, he informed.

The Head of the government shared that efforts were on to develop the Tribhuvan International Airport as a boutique airport while Nepal's access to sea would be ensured gradually to ease trade expansion. "Only things bought for consumption does not suffice to elevate business," he said, underlining the need for boosting production with the use of science and technology.

Present government is devoted to economic development, Oli reminded. PM Oli underlined the need for unity and activism of all sides to develop Nepal.

PM Oli expressed happiness over Chamber's expo that aimed at launching improvement.

On the occasion, Minister for Communications and Information, Prithvi Subba Gurung, viewed government was planning legal arrangement with policy clarity on artificial intelligence.

The ordinance the government brought was for the commercial and professional development of information technology.

Chairman of the Nepal Chamber of Commerce, Kamalesh Kumar Agrawal, expressed happiness that the recent ordinances the government brought had spread positive hope in the industrial sector.

There are 125 stalls showcasing the products from Nepal, India, Pakistan and other in the fair. The expo lasts through February 3. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a press conference on Wednesday at Singhadurbar to unveil the contents of four newly issued ordinances. The government had initially planned to issue five ordinances on Jan 10, but the ordinance related to land management was deferred by President Ramchandra Paudel. However, right after the press conference, President Paudel certified the fifth ordinance too.

During the 34-minute press conference, there was no Q&A session. For the first 17 minutes, Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal provided details about the issued ordinances, followed by Prime Minister Oli explaining why the ordinances were issued and the reasons for not convening a parliamentary session. Prime Minister Oli concluded the conference without facing questions from the press.

Prime Minister Oli has asserted that there is no disagreement within the ruling party regarding the ordinances introduced by the government. He emphasized that the unity within the government parties has been strengthened through this process. “There is no disagreement, not even by a letter. The ordinances have come with full consensus,” said Oli.

He also claimed that the ordinances were introduced after listening to the top leadership of the Nepali Congress, the leadership of the bureaucracy, expert consultations, and the issues facing entrepreneurs. “The ordinances have been brought after much effort and preparation. They address the problems of the people and also promote good governance and development,” he added.

Regarding the opposition’s efforts to form a coalition, Prime Minister Oli likened it to attempting to block a river by throwing stones from the riverbank. He urged opposition parties to exercise their right to protest in a peaceful and civilized manner. “I have heard about the formation of a front. That is their right, and I respect it. However, I just suggest that it be done in a civilized manner. It must be peaceful and orderly,” he said.

He also clarified that the ordinances are not aimed at any individual or group. Referring to discussions about the parliament being obstructed, he dismissed these as rumors. “Who said that parliament is blocked? Parliament cannot be stopped unless it has already been called. It was adjourned after discussions, not because it was obstructed,” he questioned.

Prime Minister Oli explained that the delay in calling the parliament was due to the time needed to prepare the bills. “On the first day of the House session, we will present the ordinances in parliament. Within 60 days, we will introduce the replacement bills and have them passed,” he concluded.

Earlier on Wednesday, parliamentarians representing opposition parties including the major opposition—CPN (Maoist Center)—called for immediate running of the winter session of parliament. The meeting of the opposition party convened at the CPN (Maoist Center)’s parliamentary party’s office, they emphasized the need to summon the winter session of the parliament to deliberate on matters of public concern as well as to dwell on formulating legislations. 

Emerging from the meeting, Barshaman Pun, deputy general secretary of the CPN (Maoist Center), shared that the opposition parties have reached an understanding that they will take action to call the special session of parliament if the incumbent government continues to function ‘deceiving’ the institution of people’s representatives (parliament).

The constitutional provision has it that the Head of the State can summon a parliamentary session or meeting if one fourth of the total number of House of Representatives requests in writing for the same deeming it appropriate action. The constitution mandates that it requires signatures from at least 69 parliamentarians to request the Head of the State to call the special session of the parliament.

In attendance in the meeting were CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal and Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Acting Chairperson DP Aryal and leaders from Rastriya Prajatantra Party and Nepal Aam Aadmi Party, among others.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli began his four-day official visit to Beijing on Monday at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Premier Li Qiang. This marks Oli’s first bilateral foreign trip since assuming office for the third time in July, signaling a significant step in Nepal-China relations.

During the visit, Oli is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and hold bilateral talks with Premier Li. Discussions will focus on mutual interests, including connectivity, infrastructure development, trade and transit, energy cooperation, tourism, and fostering people-to-people ties, according to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The two countries are also expected to sign some key agreements. Notably, China will provide a $20mn grant to Nepal, alongside a new bilateral development cooperation framework to be implemented from 2025 to 2029. Projects such as the Tokha-Khahare Tunnel Road, the Special Economic Zone at the Korala border, and the feasibility study for a cross-border railway line are likely to advance, Information and Technology Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung said. Oli has chosen China over India as his initial foreign destination, breaking the longstanding practice of Nepali prime ministers beginning their tenure with a visit to India. 

Oli’s choice to visit China first rather than India is “not unexpected, but rather a reflection of the increasing policy choices of South Asian countries,” Lin Minwang, a deputy director of the Center for South Asian Studies at Fudan University, told the Global Times on Sunday. He further noted after coming to power, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu also chose to visit China first instead of India, and other South Asian countries are actively developing relations with China. “This reflects changes in Nepal's domestic politics and its policy toward China.”

Besides choosing China for his first official trip, Oli’s visit is drawing attention for other reasons as well. One of them is China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). 

A task force from the two parties has revised the draft of the BRI implementation plan initially proposed by the Chinese side in 2020. The document, now titled Framework for Cooperation instead of BRI Implementation Plan, has been sent to the Chinese side for initial negotiations, though it is yet to be finalized.

This trip comes at a time when China is pushing to strengthen BRI cooperation. There are concerns over what sort of agreement will be signed with Beijing on BRI on which India and western countries are cautioning Nepal to maintain transparency and avoid possible debt burden. Domestically, there are also suspicions that the coalition of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML could crack, as two parties have divergent views on how to deal with China. Oli has a history of fostering strategic agreements with China, including the landmark Transit and Transport Treaty of 2016. 

China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Mao Ning, highlighted the importance of Oli’s visit in strengthening bilateral ties. “Despite changing international and regional dynamics, China-Nepal relations have grown steadily over the past 69 years, exemplifying equality and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes,” she said. Mao emphasized deepening strategic trust, advancing high-quality BRI cooperation, and achieving progress in the China-Nepal partnership.

As Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli prepares for his official visit to China, political and diplomatic circles are actively debating the state of Nepal’s relationship with India. Observers suggest this move reflects Oli’s strained relationship with New Delhi and points to a shift in India’s approach toward Nepal. Many Indian politicians, bureaucrats, think tanks, and media figures often attribute fluctuations in bilateral relations to the Nepali side.

Critics in New Delhi argue that Nepali leaders often make commitments in India but fail to uphold them once back in Kathmandu. Similarly, Indian authorities frequently accuse Nepali politicians of politicizing critical bilateral issues for party or personal gain. Nepal’s internal political instability and lack of consensus on key foreign policy matters are also seen as contributing factors to the inconsistent relationship. A foreign policy expert from New Delhi remarked that India seeks a reliable partner in Kathmandu but finds it challenging to trust Nepali leaders, who are perceived as unpredictable.

While these criticisms may hold some truth, there’s also a need for reflection on India’s approach toward Nepal.

One current debate centers on Prime Minister Oli’s planned visit to China, a departure from the tradition of a new Nepali prime minister making their first official trip to India. However, this tradition has been broken before; in 2011, for instance, India did not invite then-Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal, and in 2008, Pushpa Kamal Dahal visited Beijing before later affirming India as his first political visit destination. India’s decision not to invite Oli this time has stirred speculation in political circles that New Delhi is dissatisfied with Nepal’s recent policy moves. At a time when economic cooperation has been progressing, India's hesitation to invite Oli risks undermining bilateral relations, potentially stirring suspicion and impacting other areas of the partnership.

Soon after the formation of the new government, there were talks about a visit from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nepal, though this has yet to materialize. There are differing views within India’s bureaucracy and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), leading to mixed signals that complicate Nepal’s understanding of India’s priorities. Unlike in the past, senior BJP leaders have recently engaged with Nepal’s political parties and bureaucracy, but a lack of alignment between India’s political and bureaucratic circles seems to be creating further challenges. India’s handling of issues around trade and assistance has also contributed to tension, with frequent reports of delays in the movement of goods between the two countries, fueling a trust deficit that affects the broader relationship.

There are other factors that call for reflection in both Kathmandu and New Delhi. Among Indian policymakers, there is often a perception that Nepal is solely responsible for any disturbances in bilateral relations. The case of the Eminent Persons’ Group (EPG) report illustrates this imbalance; India’s reluctance to receive the report has affected  bilateral relations, and the situation will likely remain unresolved unless addressed. Other areas, such as the difficulties faced by Nepali citizens in India and along the border, also deserve more attention from Indian policymakers.

Since 2017–18, New Delhi has maintained a policy of engaging with whichever party leads the Nepali government, a position that should continue. While India may have reservations about Nepal’s growing ties with Washington and Beijing, both sides should openly discuss India’s legitimate security concerns. But for now, a significant trust deficit persists between Nepal and India, which could potentially worsen after Oli’s China visit. Both New Delhi and Kathmandu need to actively work on bridging this gap. Although there was hope for renewed bilateral cooperation after 2014, missteps from both sides since 2016 have strained relations. Only through earnest reflection and engagement can meaningful progress be made.

Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Karnali Academy of Health Science, KP Sharma Oli, is set to leave for Jumla today to attend the first convocation ceremony of the Academy.

The Prime Minister will be accompanied by Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel, Vice-Chairperson of Medical Education Commission Prof Dr Anjani Kumar Jha, Director of the US-based Hardware Medical College Center for Primary Care and System Strengthening Christine Massinger in the convocation ceremony, PM Oli’s private secretariat informed.