Nepal has put forth a list of 13 individuals nominated to serve as ambassadors to various countries, including India, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom, among others. These recommendations followed a Cabinet meeting held on Friday, showcasing a diverse group of nominees with expertise in foreign policy, academia, security, development, business, and public policy.
The nominees’ names will be forwarded to the Parliamentary Hearing Committee. Following the hearings, Nepal will seek agreement from each of the host nations. The President will formally appoint the ambassadors once approval is granted.
Here is the list of proposed ambassadors and their designated countries:
- Nischal Nath Pandey for India
- Kalyan Raj Sharma for China
- Chiran Jung Thapa for the United States
- Gaurav Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana for the United Kingdom
- Jigyan Kumar Thapa for Japan
- Suresh Kumar Karn for Israel
- Prapti Sherchan for Spain
- Sharu Joshi for Germany
- Padmakshi Rana for Oman
- Chudamani Kharel for Malaysia
- Sangam Shrestha for South Korea
- Manchala Jha for Sri Lanka
- Giribahadur Sunar for Saudi Arabia
Nischal Nath Pandey, a recognized foreign-policy expert, currently heads the Centre for South Asian Studies. His prior experience includes serving as director at the Institute of Foreign Affairs, where he provided the government with advice on foreign matters.
Kalyan Raj Sharma brings a wealth of knowledge as an economist specializing in Nepal-China relations. He has held leadership roles in educational institutions and bilateral projects, earning his PhD in economics from Fudan University.
Chiran Jung Thapa is esteemed for his expertise in security and international relations. He has a solid background in crisis management, security policy, and military coordination, and has worked as a security adviser for various organizations across Asia.
Gaurav Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana, nominated as ambassador to the United Kingdom, previously served as the Chief of Army Staff of the Nepal Army from 2012 to 2015 and played a crucial role in military efforts during the 2015 earthquake.
Jigyan Kumar Thapa has extensive experience in fostering Nepal-Japan cooperation and international partnerships, having worked in Japan on policy and multicultural initiatives to enhance exchanges between the two nations.
Suresh Kumar Karn has been nominated to represent Nepal in Israel. A seasoned professional in technology and banking, he previously served as the operating officer at Nepal Bank and has led various teams in the country’s information technology sector.
Prapti Sherchan, chosen to represent Nepal in Spain, has a background in development. With experience at the International Finance Corporation, she focuses on gender equality, financial inclusion, and development partnerships.
Sharu Joshi, who has been proposed for the role in Germany, brings valuable expertise in migration, gender equity, and employment policies. Her work includes roles at UN Women, where she engaged with labor rights and migration issues.
Padmakshi Rana, set to serve in Oman, is a leader in development and entrepreneurship. She co-founded and manages Impact Hub Kathmandu, concentrating on growth, innovation, and fostering global partnerships.
Chudamani Kharel, appointed as the ambassador to Malaysia, has a diverse academic background in English, political science, and law. His professional journey includes significant contributions in education, administration, and sports leadership in Nepal.
Sangam Shrestha, proposed for South Korea, is a policy analyst whose research focuses on critical areas such as water security, climate change resilience, and international cooperation. He is also a faculty member at the Asian Institute of Technology in Thailand.
Manchala Jha, selected for the position in Sri Lanka, specializes in governance and policy. Previously a commissioner at Nepal’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, she has worked on peace processes, justice reform, and the promotion of women’s involvement in security.
Giribahadur Sunar, nominated to represent Nepal in Saudi Arabia, is a sociologist and development practitioner with experience in inclusion, climate adaptation, and advising governments on effective policy design.
These appointments mark Nepal’s initiative to fill various ambassadorial roles. The government has previously called for applications for these positions. As of now, none of the 13 nominees have been officially named, as they must first undergo hearings. Following this process, consent must be obtained from the host nations before final appointments can be confirmed in accordance with constitutional and diplomatic protocols.