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Japan's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Miyaji Takuma, on Monday paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba.

The Foreign Minister and Japan's Minister of State who are presently in Muscat, the capital of Oman, to attend the '8th Indian Ocean Conference' held the bilateral meeting today.

 During the meeting, the two exchanged views on various dimensions of Nepal-Japan relations and mutual interests. On the occasion, the Minister recognized Japan as one of the major development partners, contributing to Nepal's development in the socio-economic sectors.

The two also discussed the upcoming celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Nepal-Japan diplomatic ties in 2026. Matters relating to the likely exchange of high-level visits between the two countries were discussed during the meeting.

On the occasion, the Minister expected the necessary support from the Government of Japan in the aftermath of the endorsement of working procedure regarding Nepal-Japan last year's agreement to hire skilled workforce from Nepal for the upcoming five years.

The Minister also utilized the opportunity to call on the Government of Japan to assist Nepal in the reconstruction of the BP Highway that was significantly damaged by the September (2023) rains.

Foreign Minister Rana urged Japan for its cooperation to connect Japan with the Bhairahawa-based Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara Airport with direct flights.

The extension of the direct flight between Nepal and Japan (Narita-Kathmandu) to Lumbini will be beneficial for Japanese citizens aspiring to visit Lumbini, enhancing cultural ties between Nepal and Japan. In response, the Japanese Minister said he would respond to the call after a feasibility evaluation.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ahmed Ali Al Sayegh held a meeting in Muscat, Oman today.

They met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues of Nepal-UAE relations along with labour, tourism and economic development and the needed cooperation for climate change risk mitigation.

On the occasion, Minister Rana thanked the government of UAE for providing employment to Nepal's labour force, Minister Rana's personal secretariat said.

Likewise, the State Minister of the UAE appreciated the immense contribution of Nepalis in socio-economic development of the UAE Likewise, they held talks on deepening cooperation on tourism, economic development and trade as well as the future possibilities for investments.

Minister Rana's secretariat shared that Minister Rana proposed to State Minister Sayegh to begin direct flights from Dubai to Pokhara International Airport.

In response, the state minister has promised to begin technical study and advance the plans for direct flights.

Likewise, she extended an invitation to the UAE for the participation in the Sagarmatha Sambaad to be held in Kathmandu from 16 to 18 May by stating that the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ is to discuss pressing issues of regional and global importance including the climate change.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi held a meeting in Muscat, Oman today.

They met on the sidelines of the 8th Indian Ocean Conference in Muscat, Oman.

During the meeting, they discussed various issues of Nepal-Qatar relations, bilateral interests and mutual benefits, as well as scholarships for Nepali students and skilled technical manpower in Qatar.

On the occasion, Minister Rana urged Minister Muraikhi to help in the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi, who is under the control of the Hamas group.

Foreign Minister Rans praised the role played by the Qatari government in brokering a ceasefire and peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas, and called for a special initiative for the release of Bipin, who is under the control of Hamas.

Earlier, Minister Rana had made the same request in a phone call with Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

Khulaifi is the chief negotiator and mediator in peace talks between the Israeli government and Hamas.

The Nepal government has been making diplomatic efforts for Bipin's release since last year.

Minister Rana has been urging for Bipin's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.

Bipin was abducted by the Hamas group in an attack on Israeli soil in October 2023. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has said that the construction of the six-lane Chisapani-Gaddachauki road section of the East-West Mahendra Highway will start soon.

Inaugurating the newly constructed administrative building of Lamkichuha Municipality in Kailali today, Minister Rana said that a survey is being conducted for the construction of six lanes from Chisapani in Kailali to Gaddachauki in Kanchanpur in view of the pressure of vehicles.

"Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah is taking the initiative to make the highway six-lane. The highway is currently being surveyed. Work on the construction of the six-lane road will begin soon," Minister Rana said.

The Minister expressed her confidence that the administrative building of Lamkichuha Municipality would facilitate the residents of the city to avail integrated services.

Foreign Minister Rana further argued that the government is serious about the overall development of the agricultural sector in the region, adding that she is excited to see the development construction at the local level.

Minister Rana today inaugurated the newly constructed party office of Nepali Congress Kailali Region No. 2 and Lamkichuha Municipal Committee as well. 

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba held telephonic conversation with Abbas Araghchi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a diplomatic initiative for the release of Nepali youth Bipin Joshi who is believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Minister Rana held telephonic talks with her Iranian counterpart on Thursday night, urging him to take initiative for Joshi's release.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Araghchi gave the assurance that he would raise the topic of Joshi's release with priority in his upcoming meeting with Hamas officials, Foreign Minister Rana's private secretariat said.

Hamas has started releasing people under its captivity after the ceasefire between it and the Israeli government.

The government has continued with the diplomatic initiatives for the safe release of Joshi from Hamas' confinement.

In this connection, Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Deuba had held telephonic talks with the Egyptian Foreign Minister as well last week, urging for support for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba has been requesting Qatar and Egypt that had been mediating with Hamas for peace talks ever since efforts were made for a ceasefire between the Israeli government and Hamas for taking special initiative for Joshi's release.

Minister Dr Deuba held telephonic conversation with Israel's Foreign Minister some weeks back on this topic. Similarly, Ambassador of Nepal to Israel, Prof Dr Dhana Prasad Pandit, also in telephonic conversation with the Israeli President some days back, had urged for Joshi's release.

The government has continued the diplomatic initiatives for securing Joshi's release since last year.

Minister Rana has been making diplomatic efforts for Joshi's release through the United Nations, international and regional forums and meetings.

Foreign Minister Arjun Rana Deuba today held a telephonic conversation with her Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty, requesting the latter for an initiation to free Nepali hostage Bipin Joshi who has been held by Hamas in Gaza for 15 months.

Following a ceasefire deal between the government of Israel and Hamas, the Hamas has started freeing hostages beginning Sunday.

The Foreign Minister urged Egypt, which is facilitating the ceasefire negotiations, to prioritize Joshi’s release in the first phase.

The Minister who is presently in Bangkok for her medical checkup made the call from there.

In response, the Egyptian Minister assured that he would direct Egypt’s facilitators to work toward Joshi’s release.

A few days ago, Rana also spoke with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, and Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa'ar, requesting their intervention in setting the Nepali hostage free in the initial phase.

Khulaifi plays a key role in the Israel-Hamas peace talks.

The Nepali government has been actively engaged in diplomatic efforts since last year, seeking Bipin’s release.

The Foreign Minister has been appealing through various international and regional forums, as well as the United Nations, to facilitate for ensuring Bipin's release.

Kathmandu, Jan 3: Minster for Foreign Affairs, Arzu Rana Deuba, paid tributes to former US President and Nobel Laureate, Jimmy Carter, by expressing grief over his demise.

Reaching the US Embassy in Kathmandu today, Foreign Minister Rana signed the Book of Condolence opened in memory of former President Carter.

She extended heartfelt condolence on the behalf of the government, the people of Nepal and her own on the passing of Carter.

The Foreign Minister said Carter was a true friend and well-wisher of Nepal as well as exemplary figure in philanthropy, peace and democracy.

"Carter's contributions were widely admired for their lasting impact on upholding human rights and democratic values. His legacy of peace, benevolence will forever be cherished and will continue to serve as an inspiration to the people around the world", writes Minister Rana.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana is set to leave for Beijing on November 28.

Minister Rana is leaving for Beijing to prepare for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit to China from November 17.

Foreign Minister Rana will welcome the Prime Minister in Beijing on November 17.

The Foreign Minister’s press adviser Ekraj Pathak informed that Minister Rana is leaving for Beijing for the preparation of Prime Minister Oli’s visit to China.

Though Foreign Minister Rana is preparing for a formal visit to China, the invitation has not come yet, Pathak said.

A source at the Prime Minister's Office, however, said that Foreign Minister Rana will reach Beijing on November 13.

The source said that Minister Rana is leaving for Beijing via Tokyo.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has said it is obvious that the least developed and mountainous countries like Nepal are facing severe and disproportionate impacts of climate change.

"But the global climate agenda and climate processes are yet to sufficiently reflect the plight of developing and mountainous countries," she said while attending wrap up of New York Times- Nepal Republic Media Climate Conclave as the Chief Guest today.

The event was held with the theme of ‘The call of Mt. Everest for Global Climate Action’ and the Minister expressed accolades to the organizers also for choosing to highlight a theme that has threatened the very existence of planet and the humanity.

The theme embodies the clarion call from both a least developed and a mountainous nation for commensurate climate action and climate justice, she said. "We are talking about climate crisis today on the heels of catastrophic floods and landslides that devastated central region of Nepal barely a month ago," the Foreign Minister said, adding that these disasters were evidently the result of an extreme weather event, as the rainfall in many places during the fateful three days amounted to as much as half of the total rainfall Nepal receives throughout the monsoon.

She appraised the gathering that as a result of such disasters, Nepal had to bear a tragic loss of more than 250 lives, in addition to the same number of people in the preceding period of the rainy season. "We are yet to fully appraise the damage to our roads, bridges, hydroelectricity projects, and other public and private property," the Minister added.

She went on to say that scientific community, in particular through the IPCC reports, has unanimously attested that such extreme weather and climate events are caused by global warming and climate change. "It is a matter of gross injustice to Nepal, and similar other nations, with a negligible contribution to Global greenhouse gas emissions to be the victims of such climate disasters." Reminding the assessment of UN Secretary General António Guterres that ‘terrible impact of the climate crisis in the Himalayas’ during his visit to Nepal last October, the Foreign Affairs Minister said this assessment was based on his tour to the Everest and Annapurna Regions, where he witnessed the grim realities of unfolding crisis in the mountain lives and ecosystem. "At this juncture, I recall and re-emphasize his urgent appeal to the international community to ‘move forward with climate action’. "I also echo the distinguished speakers’ call this morning for the urgent need of climate justice.

The developed countries, whose actions precipitated the climate crisis, must provide adequate resources, technology and other supports to the developing countries for their adaptation and resilience building." The promises, from the UNFCCC to the Paris Agreement to the annual CoPs, have been aplenty, but the delivery has been sorely wanting, the Minister said.

She stressed that all climate finance commitments must be met and up-scaled, keeping in mind the need to invest 5-7 trillion dollars annually to green the economy by 2030. "There must be adequate grant based and concessional resources for developing countries to meet their needs for adaptation and resilience building." She sought that all climate funds and facilities, including the loss damage fund that was operationalized from COP28, must be adequately capitalized and their resources should be easily accessible to the developing countries.

The upcoming COP29 in Baku should be an opportunity to take stock and to make concrete progress on all tracks of the climate agenda. For COP29, we are making preparations for effective participation by reiterating the concerns, needs and priorities of climate vulnerable countries, mountain countries and also as the chair of LDCs, the Minister apprised the gathering.

As she shared with them on the occasion, Nepal will underscore the need of easy, smooth, predictable and adequate access to climate finance for the most vulnerable and poor countries.

As underscored by the British Ambassador in today’s event, I agree on the need of collaboration between Global south and Global north to fight global warming and climate change and to ensure climate justice. In particular, without the generous resource and technological support of the north, the countries in the south will not able to weather this crisis, she said. "I also appreciate the New York Times for its extensive coverage on the climate change issues.

Stephen’s made an insightful analysis on the implications of climate change in the global economy, energy transformation, and society and world order as a whole. I believe that the role of media is crucial in the internationalization as well as raising awareness regarding the intensifying climate change impacts and incorporating the voice of the voiceless," she stated. She added that in the COP28 last year in United Arab Emirates, Nepal promoted the mountain agenda to bring awareness of the impacts of climate change in the mountain ecosystem and communities.

Turning to our national plans, the recently implemented 16th Development plan of Nepal includes internationalization of the issues of climate change as an important policy strategy and has prioritised climate diplomacy.

It incorporates programmes to enhance access to climate financing to implement climate change adaptation and mitigation plans to meet our financial and technological gaps, according to Minister Rana. "Similarly, we are committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emission by 2045.We are utilizing our vast hydropower potentials to secure clean energy and have already reached 45 percent forest cover in our total area. Global warming and climate change transcend borders, and yet their effects and impacts have varied across regions," she said.

That is why, the Government of Nepal decided in April 2019 to organise Sagarmatha Sambad, a forum meant to discuss on the most pertinent issues of the time in the fields of environment, economy, and other socio-cultural fields.

However, we have not been successful to organise one due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other pressing issues since then. Now, we are working to organise this dialogue in 2025. "Finally, let me reiterate that the discussions today were lively and enlightening with strong call for the global climate action. I believe that they will be really helpful as we prepare for the COP29 as well as in our climate negotiations. I wish that such discussions were held more frequently and that our problems and challenges get the limelight they deserve," she concluded.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba had a bilateral meeting with Deputy Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic, Edil Baisalov, on the sidelines of the Third ACD Summit in Doha.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two leaders exchanged views on further strengthening friendly relations between the two nations.

Likewise, Foreign Minister Rana held a bilateral meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar U Than Swe on the sidelines of the Summit. The Ministry stated that discussions were focused on various aspects of Nepal-Myanmar relations.

Addressing the Third ACD Summit in Doha on Thursday, Minister Rana stated that Nepal strongly values multilateralism and regional cooperation as pillars of regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity.

Minister of State for Foreign Trade of United Arab Emirates (UAE) Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi called on Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba on the sidelines of Third Summit of Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Doha on Wednesday.

Discussions were focused on cordial and cooperative Nepal-UAE relations and cooperation in various areas including trade, tourism, investment, air connectivity and foreign employment, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba has urged the G20 member countries to increase financial support for the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) to address the damaging impacts of climate change.

Reflecting on the problems faced by LDCs due to climate change, Minister Rana said, "These countries have suffered from multi-faceted crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and geopolitical tensions. As a result, these countries have been pushed further into extreme poverty in the last two decades."

The Minister for Foreign Affairs was addressing the G20 Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in New York on Wednesday on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Minister Rana delivered these remarks on behalf of the Group of Least-Developed Countries, of which Nepal is the current chair.

The minister urged the G20 to take a leading role in promoting inclusive growth, accelerating the 2030 Agenda, enhancing global health security, leading climate action, driving digital transformation, bridging digital divides, fostering multilateral cooperation, and addressing the challenges the world is facing.

She also lauded Brazil's initiatives in hosting this meeting as the chair of the G20 with a focus on social inclusion, poverty alleviation and sustainable development while welcoming its proposal to launch a Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty.

Minister Rana urged the establishment of a formal mechanism for LDC representation in G20 meetings and working groups, including regular invitations for the LDC Chair to G20 Summits, which she said provides a vital platform for allowing the perspectives of LDCs to shape G20 deliberations and outcomes.

Additionally, she requested the establishment of a G20-led fund to support climate adaptation and resilience-building in LDCs, with a focus on grant-based financing and capacity building for project development and implementation.

She also called on G20 members to provide duty-free and quota-free market access for all LDC products, which she believed would help LDCs better integrate into global value chains and boost export revenues. She stressed the urgent need for G20 countries to recognize that LDCs have been severely hit by the recent increase in extreme poverty, calling for collective efforts to support these countries.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, who arrived in New York to participate in the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held a meeting with Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations in the Department of Operational Support Atul Khare.

In the meeting held on Monday, various aspects of the UN-Nepal relations and cooperation were discussed, the New York-based Nepali Mission said. 

The Department has been working in the field of management of security personnel of the UN missions deployed for peacekeeping.

According to the Mission, the meeting discussed the continuation of cooperation between Nepal and the UN and its contribution to the field of peace and security.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from various countries in New York on Sunday.

Foreign Affairs Minister Rana is in New York in the Nepali delegation participating in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

According to the Foreign Minister's private secretariat, during the meeting with her Indonesian counterpart Retno L.P. Marsudi, two key agreements--the Bilateral Consultation Mechanism and the Visa Exemption Agreement for diplomatic and official/service passport holders were signed by Minister Rana on behalf of Nepal, and Marsudi on behalf of Indonesia. The agreements aim to further strengthen bilateral ties, and enhance cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting discussed a range of issues, including mutual bilateral interests between the two countries, as well as the expansion of future relations, development partnership, and cooperation to reduce the impact of climate change. Likewise, the leaders also discussed the mutual cooperation and investment between the two countries in tourism promotion.

Minister Rana expressed the hope that the newly signed agreements would play an important role in further expanding the mutual relations between the two countries.

Similarly, Minister Rana had a talk with her Burundian counterpart Albert Shingiro. The two ministers discussed issues, including mutual relations and bilateral interests as well as potential future cooperation between the two countries.

The discussions between the two ministers also touched on identifying ways for cooperation to tackle the impacts of climate change, which the two landlocked countries are struggling with. Additionally, Dr Rana held talks with Finland's Minister of Foreign Trade & Development, Ville Tavio.

During the meeting, the two leaders acknowledged over 50 years of strong and friendly relations and cooperation between Nepal and Finland.

On the occasion, Minister Rana appreciated Finland's continued support in Nepal's economic and social sectors. They also discussed mutual interests, future cooperation and potential partnership areas.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba held a meeting with the Chair and Members of Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group in Ottawa on Wednesday.

The Chair of Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group and Member of Parliament Sonia Sidhu welcomed Minister Deuba at the Parliament Hill and expressed happiness over the first visit of a Nepali Foreign Minister to Canada.

The two sides reviewed the friendly relations between the Parliaments of Nepal and Canada and stressed the need to promote regular exchanges, experiences sharing between the Members of Parliament of the two countries, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Ottawa.

On the occasion, Foreign Minister Deuba stated that Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group stands as an important platform for sharing of experiences and learning from each other’s democratic processes.

Foreign Minister Deuba thanked the Canadian Members of Parliament and Senators for their service to the promotion of Nepal-Canada relations and also informed about the formation of a Nepal-Canada Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Federal Parliament of Nepal.

She expressed confidence that the two Parliaments will be able to promote greater exchanges and collaborations through these important mechanisms.

Likewise, Chair of Canada-Nepal Parliamentary Friendship Group, Sonia Sidhu, highlighted the potential areas of cooperation between the parliamentarians of Canada and Nepal and enriched the friendly relations. She also appreciated the progress Nepal has made in gender equality and empowerment of women and girls with greater representation of Nepali women in the parliament and local government as well as enhanced contribution of them in public life, the Nepal Embassy said by issuing a press release.

Foreign Minister Deuba was accompanied by Nepal's Ambassador to Canada Bharat Raj Paudyal and other officials during the meeting.

Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba’s recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during her visit to India has sparked significant discussion within Nepal’s political circles, particularly within her party, the Nepali Congress (NC). There are murmurs within the NC that this meeting could signal India’s endorsement of Arzu as a future leader of the party and potentially as a future prime minister of Nepal. Over the past few years, Arzu’s husband and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba, has elevated her position within both the party and national politics.

Currently, she serves as a Central Working Committee member of the NC and a member of the House of Representatives. She played a crucial role in forming an alliance with the CPN-UML to establish the government, which led to her holding the powerful Foreign Ministry portfolio in the KP Sharma Oli-led government.

While she may not run for party president in the 2026 general convention, Deuba seems intent on securing her a significant position within the party. Deuba, who has already served as party president twice, is ineligible to run for a third term due to the party’s statute. Senior leaders such as Purna Bahadur Khadka, Gagan Kumar Thapa, and Shekhar Koirala are currently vying for the party presidency. It remains unclear who will succeed Deuba or emerge as the next leader from his faction. According to NC leaders, Deuba might retire after assuming the Prime Minister’s office again, as per an agreement with Oli, who is expected to hand over the premiership to Deuba in two years.

Some NC leaders speculate that Deuba may propose his spouse, Arzu, for the prime ministerial position due to his advanced age—he is already 80. Others, however, doubt that Arzu will become Prime Minister. Nonetheless, it is evident that Deuba is making every effort to elevate his spouse within the party. At nearly 60 years old, Arzu could remain active in party politics for at least the next two decades.

Deuba’s succession plan has been in motion for some time. He pushed for Arzu’s appointment as chairperson of the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives last year, followed by her appointment as Foreign Minister a few months ago. These moves have significantly bolstered Arzu’s standing both within the NC and on the international stage. There was little opposition within the party to these appointments. Even Deuba’s rivals, Gagan Thapa and Shekhar Koirala, did not object. NC insiders believe that Arzu is likely to secure a prominent position at the party’s upcoming general convention, positioning her as Deuba’s political heir.

Arzu is not new to NC politics. Her political journey began in earnest after her marriage to Deuba in 1993, despite her mother, Pratibha Rana, being a leader in the Rastriya Prajatantra Party. Arzu became actively involved in politics after Deuba formed the breakaway faction, Nepali Congress (Democratic), in 2002. Although she has made significant strides within the party, her progress has been closely tied to her husband’s influence. To counter criticisms that Deuba was using his power to elevate her, Arzu contested an election from Kailali district but was defeated. In the 2022 election, she was elected under the proportional representation (PR) quota and is reportedly preparing to contest future elections from Kailali. If Deuba does not run in future elections, Arzu might even contest from Dadeldhura, where Deuba has won for the past three decades.

Arzu’s recent visit to India was a diplomatic success, earning her respect and recognition that few of her predecessors had achieved. Her meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, in particular, was seen as a significant accomplishment, enhancing her stature within Nepal's political landscape. This success, coupled with her increased visibility within the party, suggests that she is being groomed for a larger role.

There are clear signs within the NC that Deuba is positioning Arzu for future leadership. In a recent Central Committee meeting, NC leader Shashank Koirala noted how women seem to navigate political challenges more easily than men. Arzu’s growing acceptance within the party indicates that Deuba’s plan is progressing. Despite being relatively new to active politics and having faced opposition, she now enjoys substantial support. Her rank as the seventh in the cabinet hierarchy, ahead of several key figures, reflects the trust and confidence the party leadership has in her abilities.

However, the path to leadership will not be without challenges. Several factions within the NC, led by figures like Deputy Prime Minister Prakash Man Singh and senior leaders such as Shekhar Koirala, Bimalendra Nidhi, and Krishna Prasad Sitaula, may resist Deuba’s efforts to elevate Arzu. Influential general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma also command considerable support within the party. While Deuba’s close allies may not oppose Arzu’s rise, there is no guarantee that the rest of the party will follow suit, which could deepen existing divisions. With leaders like Dr Koirala and General Secretary Thapa already positioning themselves for party leadership, Arzu’s ascent is unlikely to be smooth.

Arzu’s success would mark a significant milestone for female leadership in Nepal, but it could also be perceived as a continuation of dynastic politics within the NC. Whether Arzu can secure party leadership will depend on her ability to navigate the party's complex dynamics, garner broad support, and prove that she can lead independently of her husband’s legacy. 

While her recent achievements suggest she is a formidable contender, it remains to be seen whether she can overcome the challenges ahead. Notably, Prime Minister Oli’s remark about wanting to see a female Prime Minister may indicate that even the CPN-UML chairman is aware of Deuba’s plans for a leadership transition.