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The 11th edition of the Pakistan–Nepal Friendship T20 Cricket Tournament concluded on Sunday amidst a function at the Pakistan Embassy Plot in Kathmandu. 

Held from February 7 to 15, the annual tournament featured 12 teams from various Nepali cricket clubs, along with the Pakistan Embassy Team. 

Since 2014, the event has been organized each year to celebrate the shared love of cricket between Pakistan and Nepal and to support young players.

Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal, Abrar H. Hashmi, and special guests presented the trophies, medals, and cash prizes to the winning team, top performers and tournament officials, reads a statement issued by the Embassy of Pakistan in Kathmandu. 

Baluwatar Cricket Academy won the tournament and received the winning trophy and cash prize. The Pakistan Embassy Team secured the runner-up position.

In his remarks, Iqbal Haider, Counsellor (Political & Education), highlighted Pakistan Embassy’s sustained efforts to promote cricket at the grassroots level, noting the tournament’s role in nurturing emerging talent in Nepal.

In his closing address, Ambassador Abrar Hashmi reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening youth engagement and sporting exchanges between the two countries. 

He announced that the 12th edition of the tournament in 2027 will expand to participation of 16 teams, according to the statement. 

The Ambassador congratulated all participating teams, particularly the winning team, and thanked Ambassadors, distinguished guests, supporting partners IME Global Bank and Filli Cafe; broadcasting partners Action TV and Dish Home Media Network for live coverage that reached audiences across Nepal and beyond. 

West Indies charged into the Super Eight stage of the Twenty20 World Cup after the two-times champions defeated Nepal by nine wickets in Mumbai on Sunday, with Jason Holder's four-wicket haul and Shai Hope's half-century setting up the win, Reuters reported. 

Chasing a modest 134 for their third straight victory after battling knocks by Nepal's Dipendra Singh Airee (58) and Sompal Kami (26 not out), West Indies eased to victory at Wankhede Stadium with 28 balls to spare.

After paceman Holder's wickets laid the platform, captain Hope (61 not out) and Shimron Hetmyer (46 not out) guided their team home to rule Nepal out of the reckoning for the next stage of the tournament, according to Reuters. 

Nepal have been eliminated from the group stage of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as they succumbed to a nine-wicket defeat at the hands of West Indies on Sunday. 

Earlier, Nepal had been defeated by Italy and England in their previous two matches.

The ICC T20 World Cup is currently underway at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India. 

In today’s match, Nepal were invited to bat first after losing the toss. 

The team posted a 134- run target at the loss of eight wickets in 20 overs.

In reply, West Indies chased down the target in just 15.2 overs, losing only one wicket.

Adm. Samuel J. Paparo, commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), has said his visit highlighted Nepal’s leadership in promoting regional stability, disaster preparedness, and peacekeeping. He visited Nepal ahead of the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives (HoR), which are taking place against the backdrop of the September 8–9 Gen Z protest.

The visit highlighted Nepal’s leadership in promoting regional stability, disaster preparedness, and peacekeeping. U.S.-Nepal cooperation in these areas benefits Nepali and American citizens throughout the region and supports global peacekeeping efforts, says a press statement issued by INDOPACOM after the two-day visit.

During his stay, Paparo met Foreign Minister Bala Nanda Sharma and Gen. Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief of Army Staff of the Nepali Army, to discuss strengthening collaboration in disaster response and Nepal’s significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping missions.

At the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Panchkhal, Paparo interacted with Nepali peacekeeping professionals and observed pre-deployment training activities. The center plays a vital role in preparing Nepali troops for UN peacekeeping missions and supports multinational peace operations, reinforcing Nepal’s standing as one of the world’s leading troop-contributing countries to UN missions.

An alumni event hosted by the Daniel K. Inouye Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies (APCSS) and its director, Suzanne P. Vares-Lum, brought together Nepali graduates of APCSS programs. The gathering provided a platform for security professionals to exchange ideas and explore collaborative approaches to regional security challenges.

INDOPACOM and Nepal have maintained close cooperation in strengthening disaster response capabilities through joint exercises, technical assistance, and the provision of non-combat equipment such as helicopters, vehicles, and communication systems. U.S. training and logistical support have also enhanced Nepal’s capacity to conduct humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, the statement said.

Officials said the partnership aligns with Nepal’s goal of enhancing self-reliance while contributing to regional resilience and preparedness. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command reiterated its commitment to promoting stability across the region through security cooperation, peaceful development, and coordinated responses to emerging challenges, according to the statement.

Paparo’s visit highlighted Nepal’s strategic importance in South Asia and reaffirmed its leadership role in fostering regional stability and advancing global peacekeeping efforts.

During then Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali’s visit to the United States on December 18, 2018, then U.S. Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo highlighted Nepal’s central role in a free, open, and prosperous Indo-Pacific and in global affairs.

 The 2019 U.S. Department of Defense Indo-Pacific Strategy Report officially described Nepal as a valued partner. The report listed Nepal as a member of the State Partnership Program (SPP), which was later rejected by the Nepal government.

This week, House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Chairman Bill Huizenga has said that recent elections in Bangladesh and Nepal present new opportunities for U.S. engagement in South Asia.

In his opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled “South Asia: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Region,” Huizenga described South and Central Asia as a dynamic region where young and growing populations are increasingly drawn to Western cultures and values rather than to what he called China’s “authoritarian alternative.”

Bordering India, both Nepal and Bangladesh are undergoing significant political transformations. Bangladesh held general elections on February 12, following the July 2024 revolution that led to the ouster of an authoritarian government in September 2025. Meanwhile, Nepal is set to hold democratic elections on March 5 after youth-led protests overthrew the previous government.

Nepal suffered a 10-wicket defeat at the hands of Italy in their ICC Men's T20 World Cup match held at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India.

Chasing a target of 124-run victory posted by Nepal, Italy completed the target in 12.4 overs. For Italy, Anthony Mosca scored 62 runs while Justin Mosca gathered 60 runs.

Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Nepal gathered 123 runs in 19.3 overs at the loss of all wickets. 

For Nepal, Aarif Sheikh scored the highest 27 runs while Rohit Poudel made 23 runs, Aasif Sheikh 20 runs, Dipendra Singh Airee 17 runs and Karan KC 18 runs (not out). 

Italy's Crishan Kalugamage and Ben Manenti took three wickets and two wickets respectively while Jaspreet Singh and JJ Smuts took one wicket each. 

This is the second consecutive defeat of Nepal, which is in Group 'C'. With this consecutive loss, Nepal's possibility of entering Super Eight has become weak. 

However, this is the first win of Italy.

India on Thursday handed over the third tranche of election-related assistance to Nepal. 

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava presented the assistance  to Minister for Home Affairs of Nepal Om Prakash Aryal at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kathmandu. 

The latest tranche includes more than 270 vehicles and other logistical supplies, among them 50 trucks designated for the Nepal Army, in line with Kathmandu’s request to support election preparedness.

Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel formally received the trucks on behalf of the Nepal Army.

Speaking at the program, Home Minister Aryal thanked the Indian side for the timely and significant nature of assistance provided to Nepal. He also conveyed his appreciation for the mutually beneficial and comprehensive nature of cooperation between the two countries, which is marked by mutual trust, friendship, and a shared adherence to democratic values.

The first two tranches of such election-related assistance, comprising over 310 vehicles and other supplies from the Government of India, have already been handed over to Nepal on January 20 and 29  respectively. Some additional deliveries are expected to take place in batches in the coming days, according to the statement. 

House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on South and Central Asia Chairman Bill Huizenga has said that recent elections in Bangladesh and Nepal present new opportunities for U.S. engagement in South Asia.

In his opening remarks at a subcommittee hearing titled “South Asia: U.S. Foreign Policy in the Region,” Huizenga described South and Central Asia as a dynamic region where young and growing populations are increasingly drawn to Western cultures and values rather than to what he called China’s “authoritarian alternative.”

Bordering India, both Nepal and Bangladesh are undergoing significant political transformations. Bangladesh held general elections on February 12, following the July 2024 revolution that led to the ouster of an authoritarian government in September 2025. Meanwhile, Nepal is set to hold democratic elections on March 5 after youth-led protests overthrew the previous government.

Huizenga said these developments mark “new chapters for engagement” in South Asia and provide an opportunity to redefine U.S. relations with the new governments.

Emphasizing the strategic importance of the region, he reiterated that South and Central Asia remain vital to U.S. foreign policy interests, particularly as their young populations shape the political and economic future of the region.

Here is the full-text of his speech: 

Our strategy there is key to the United States national security and economic strength and our global presence. South and Central Asia is home to nearly 2 billion people, dynamic economies and strategic waterways that shape the balance of power in the Indo-Pacific.

 Throughout the region, the President has successfully negotiated deals that open markets and advance U.S. Economic interests. Now we are going to engage and how we engage will define America's role in Asia for decades to come.

 China has come to the same conclusion, no surprise. Through its belt and road initiative, China engages in predatory lending to further its security interests and force smaller nations into debt traps. Furthermore, China has hardened its border with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, building infrastructure to support its military aspirations.

 Despite its distance from our shores, maintaining a free and open Indian Ocean is a priority for our national and our economic security. The Indian Ocean is one of the busiest maritime corridors on the Earth, carrying the lifeblood of global commerce and energy, including more than 80% of global seaborne oil trade.

Safeguarding these sea lanes through enhanced naval cooperation with partners and allies will only serve to counter China's growing influence and limit its malign behavior in the region. Alongside President Trump, I too see the importance of our naval base on Diego Garcia in the middle of the Indian ocean. 

I echo this sentiment that preserving America's military fortitude in the region will deter Chinese coercion, prevent piracy, and ensure the free flow of American and world trade. Directly north of Diego Garcia, India, the largest democracy in the world and one of the fastest growing economies, remains a vital strategic partner. Just last week, President Trump brokered a historic trade deal with India, completely revamping US engagement with the country. The US-India trade deal sets India's tariff rate at 18%, one of the lowest regionally. Moreover, Delhi has agreed to buy more American energy. This deal will strengthen US-India relations, support American workers through manufacturing and joint technology ventures, and boost our exports.

Strengthening ties with New Delhi through defense cooperation, trade and technology partnerships advances our shared interests. I look forward to increasing cooperation, co-production and investment, especially under the new framework negotiated by the President. Bordering India, Nepal and Bangladesh are undergoing political transformations. 

Bangladesh will hold free elections tomorrow following its 2024 July revolution, which ousted an authoritarian government in September of 2025, Nepalese youth overthrew the government and Nepal will hold democratic elections next month. Both of these instances offer new chapters for engagement in South Asia, defining US relations with these new governments. South and Central Asia is a dynamic region, young growing populations are more often drawn to western cultures and values than to China's authoritarian alternative.

Strategic US led diplomacy will make a difference in building alliances and achieving our mutual beneficial goals throughout the region. Our strategy in South Asia must be comprehensive, anchored in strong partnerships, economic engagement, and a commitment to democratic values. Our engagement in the region must advance American interests, but also continue to contribute to a more secure, prosperous and free Indian Ocean. I look forward to hearing from Assistant Secretary Kapur regarding the administration's South and Central Asia strategy.

The Nepal Institute of International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) hosted the Nepal-India Think Tank Forum on Regional Resilience: Strengthening Nepal-India Security Cooperation with the senior experts from major think tanks of India and Nepal. 

Vice Admiral Sanjay Jasjit Singh (Retd.), the Director General of the United Service Institution of India, oldest think tank of the Indian military shared that “Nepalis courage and valour have been at the forefront of Indian military strength and national security."

He also shared that “Agniveer scheme is open to Nepali citizens at par with Indians, and is akin to the earlier pre-1970s non-pensionable colour service. The scheme offers an opportunity to invest in human capital, with disciplined, motivated, empowered youth that strengthens and enriches society," reads a statement issued by NIICE. 

Ambassador Pankaj Saran, former National Security Advisor of India, praised Nepalis youth and urged youth from both countries to shape the future of Nepal–India relations.

Alok Bansal, Executive Vice President of India Foundation shared that India is a major victim of cross-border terrorism and it has a huge impact on Nepal as well.  

Similarly Professor Sangeeta Thapliyal of Jawaharlal Nehru University said that think tanks should strengthen India–Nepal ties and urged both governments to promote research.

Dr Gaurav Saini, co-founder of the Council for Strategic and Defence Research, noted that while India–Nepal ties are strong, human trafficking, narcotics smuggling, and counterfeit currency are the transnational threats affecting both countries. 

Maj. Gen. Binoj Basnyat, Political and Security Analyst, said that elections alone may not ensure Nepal’s stability and called for inclusive dialogue, according to the statement. 

Anurag Acharya, Director PEI discussed three major avenues including Physical connectivity, highlighted tech integration, religious and cultural tourism and sports as emerging opportunities.

Bibek Dhoj Thapa, Program Coordinator at NIICE emphasized that India–Nepal relations should focus on partnership with the rising youth population, seeing India not as a post-colonial power but as a strategic partner. 

Sumitra Karki, the Director of NIICE emphasized the need to engage academically and policy-wise in enhancing bilateral relationships. 

Nepal lost to England in the opening match of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup played at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on Sunday. .

Nepal lost to the twice World Cup winner by four runs. Losing the game with a narrow margin, Nepal missed the opportunity to set a record in Nepal's cricket history.

Chasing the target of 185 runs, Nepal managed  to score 180 runs in 20 overs by losing six wickets.  

For Nepal, Deependra Singh Airi contributed the highest 44 runs with six fours and a six. 

Likewise, Captain Rohit Poudel and Lokesh Bam made 39 runs while Kushal Bhurtel gathered 29 runs. 

As Arif Sheikh made 10 runs, the other batters could not contribute the runs in double digits. 

Ashif Sheikh made seven runs and Gulsan Jha was out in one run. 

Winning the toss, England chose to bat first and made 184 runs in 20 overs by losing seven wickets. 

England's Liam Dawson took two wickets.

For bowling, Deependra Singh Airi and Nandan Yadav took two wickets each while Sher Malla and Sandeep Lamichhane took one each. 

This is Nepal's third participation in the T20 World Cup. Nepal were eliminated in the group stage in the previous two World Cups, including in the previous edition held in 2024 in USA/West Indies.

This is the first time that Nepal are playing against England. 

Nepal are ranked 16th in the T20 rankings, while England is ranked third. 

Nepal are in Group 'C' of the tournament along with England, the West Indies, Italy and Scotland.

Nepal are scheduled to face Italy in its second game on February 12.

Nepal will face England today in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament that began in India/Sri Lanka on Saturday.

The match to be held at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India, will start at 3:15 pm Nepali Standard Time. This is Nepal's third participation in the T20 World Cup. 

Nepal were eliminated in the group stage in the previous two World Cups, including in the previous edition held in 2024 in USA/West Indies.

This is the first time that Nepal are playing against England. 

Nepal are ranked 16th in the T20 rankings, while England is ranked third. 

Nepal are in Group 'C' of the tournament along with England, the West Indies, Italy and Scotland.

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a $95 million operation to help expand access to finance for more than 100,000 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and promote job-led growth in Nepal.

“This operation will strengthen Nepal’s Deposit and Credit Guarantee Fund (DCGF) to expand risk-sharing, enhance financial sustainability, and introduce new guarantee products for underserved segments such as women-led businesses,” said David Sislen, World Bank Country Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

He added that by easing access to finance and reducing transaction barriers, the operation will broaden financial inclusion, support the integration of MSMEs into regional and global value chains, and foster job creation and private sector–led growth.

According to the World Bank (WB), the Sustainable and Inclusive Finance Project (SIF) builds on reforms supported under the World Bank financed Financial Sector Stability and Finance for Growth Development Policy Credit (DPC) series, concluded in 2024, which prioritized access to finance for underserved segments as a key pillar.

Complementing these efforts, the project will invest in technology and institutional capacity of the Credit Information Bureau of Nepal (CIBN) to expand data coverage, integrate alternative data sources, and enhance data security and privacy.

The International Finance Corporation has been supporting CIBN in this endeavor. The project also aligns with the Government of Nepal’s recently approved second Financial Sector Development Strategy.

“Inadequate collateral and limited credit histories have long constrained SMEs’ access to affordable finance while limiting lenders’ ability to accurately assess credit risk,” said Sabin Raj Shrestha, Senior Financial Sector Specialist for South Asia Region, and Task Team Leader for the operation. 

“The DCGF will be strengthened by upgrading its management information system, improving claims-settlement efficiency, and transitioning to risk-based pricing and first-loss coverage.”

Nepal welcomed 92,573 foreign tourists in the first month of the year 2026. 

According to the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), the number of foreign travelers in January this year is 15.7 percent more compared to January 2025.

The number of Indian tourists visiting Nepal in a month was the highest among visitors. 

The NTB shared that 26,624 tourists arrived in Nepal in January. 

Likewise, 9,101 tourists arrived in Nepal from China, 8,406 tourists arrived from the USA and 4,957 tourists from Australia. 

It is shared that SAARC countries comprised 39.3 percent of total visitors in the review period, while 26.1 percent tourists visited Nepal from other Asian countries, 12.3 percent from Europe, 10.8 percent from America and 5.7 percent from Oceania.

Nepal has expressed its gratitude to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for granting pardon to 267 Nepali inmates there.

"The Government of Nepal conveys its sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the pardon so generously granted to the 267 Nepali inmates on the auspicious occasion of the 54th National Day (Eid Al Etihad) of the UAE," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release today.

The Government of Nepal highly values the friendly and humanitarian gesture of pardon as the manifestation of friendship, goodwill and cordiality in the existing bilateral relations between Nepal and the United Arab Emirates, it added.

According to the Ministry, the decision of the pardon was taken by the government of the UAE in response to the repeated requests made by the Embassy of Nepal in Abu Dhabi as per the instructions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The press release stated that the pardoned Nepali citizens, provided they have no other pending legal cases or restrictions, will be able to return to Nepal upon completion of the requisite legal procedures as stipulated by the prevailing laws of the UAE.

Nepal on Friday signed an Emission Reductions Purchase Agreement (ERPA) with the LEAF Coalition, paving the way for the potential sale of up to 4 million tonnes of verified emission reductions from its jurisdictional REDD+ program across Gandaki, Bagmati and Lumbini Provinces. 

The deal, valued at an estimated USD 40 million or more, marks Nepal’s first formal entry into high-integrity jurisdictional carbon markets and represents one of the largest performance-based forest finance opportunities in the country’s history.

The transaction will be facilitated by Emergent, the LEAF Coalition’s intermediary, and implemented under the Architecture for REDD+ Transactions (ART) using its TREES standard. 

The standard requires stringent carbon accounting, robust forest monitoring, safeguards for Indigenous Peoples’ rights, permanence and leakage controls, and transparent benefit-sharing mechanisms.

The LEAF Coalition is among the world’s largest public–private initiatives supporting high-integrity forest carbon finance. 

Participating countries are offered a guaranteed floor price of USD 10 per ton for jurisdictional REDD+ credits, providing a stable incentive for scaling credible forest conservation programmes at national and subnational levels.

“This marks an important milestone for Nepal, reflecting the culmination of decades of work to protect forests, establish credible monitoring systems, and place communities at the centre of forest stewardship,” said Mario Boccucci, Head of the UN-REDD Secretariat. He added that the agreement positions Nepal to expand jurisdictional approaches and engage global markets that reward integrity, scale and long-term performance.

Once payments are accessed, revenues will be distributed through Nepal’s emerging benefit-sharing framework. 

Under current provisions, 80 percent of proceeds will be channeled to community forest user groups, Indigenous Peoples, local governments and other implementing entities, underscoring the central role of communities in conserving and restoring the country’s forests.

“This represents an important milestone in Nepal’s long-standing efforts to protect forests and addressing climate change, and demonstrates Nepal’s commitment and readiness to deliver verified emission reductions, which can unlock significant payments from public and private buyers to support Nepal in building a sustainable economy that supports healthy forests and resilient communities,”  says Einar Telnes, Energy and Climate counsellor at the Norway Embassy in Nepal.   

Over recent years, Nepal has strengthened the institutional, technical and safeguard systems required for high-integrity jurisdictional REDD+, including enhanced monitoring capacity and governance arrangements. The ERPA is expected to enable the country to scale forest-based climate action while linking local stewardship efforts to global results-based finance.

India on Tuesday handed over the first tranche of election-related assistance to Nepal during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Kathmandu.

The assistance was formally received by Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. 

India’s Charge d’Affaires in Kathmandu, Dr. Rakesh Pandey, handed over more than 60 double-cab pickup vehicles along with other logistical supplies for use in preparations for Nepal’s upcoming elections, reads a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu. 

Home Minister Aryal thanked the Government of India for the support and said it reflected the longstanding cooperation between the two countries.

India has been providing election-related assistance to Nepal since 2008 at the request of the Nepali government. 

According to officials, the support has included the supply of around 2,400 vehicles to various government bodies, including the Election Commission, the statement further reads. 

For the forthcoming elections, India has committed to providing about 650 vehicles, which will be delivered in phases over the coming weeks.

Officials said the assistance is part of broader bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal.

Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs jointly organized a workshop on 'Partnership for Nepal Promotion'.

The workshop was organized with an aim to strengthen the common commitment to promote Nepal in an integrated manner through public, economic and cultural diplomacy.

Addressing the workshop, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai said that tourism is the key to Nepal’s development, underscoring that confident, coherent and authentic 'story-telling' is indispensable for branding Nepal to the world.

He believed that tourism and public diplomacy will contribute to national dignity, international reputation and prosperity.

Also speaking at the program, Nepal Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi mentioned that public diplomacy is important in tourism promotion,  expressing the opinion that it is necessary to strengthen institutional coordination and cooperation.

He added that Nepal can be established as a strong tourism destination in the long term if government agencies, diplomatic missions, private sector and policy research institutes move ahead with common goals.