Book Discussion “Seventy Years of Nepal-China Relations: A Model for Civilizational Friendship”

Kathmandu:
The Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) organized a high-level seminar on the book discussion titled Seventy Years of Nepal–China Relations. The seminar featured an esteemed panel of speakers including former Nepali ambassadors to China Dr. Mahesh K. Maskey and Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Prof. Zhang Jiadong from Fudan University, and Bibek Dhoj Thapa from NIICE.
Amb. Dr. Mahesh K. Maskey explained the book by selecting key issues and expressed hope that China better understands Nepal’s situation and sensitivities. He stated, “I appreciate the book’s balanced outlook on the Global Security Initiative (GSI).” Maskey further stressed that think tanks must evaluate issues such as interest rates on foreign debt and repayment capacity before committing to major projects. Highlighting future opportunities, he also emphasized the role of artificial intelligence within special economic or cross-border economic zones as a critical foundation for Nepal’s economic growth.
Amb. Bishnu Pukar Shrestha commented that the book provides important and timely insights into Nepal–China relations and expressed optimism that it will open new avenues for dialogue and future collaboration. He highlighted key areas of cooperation such as hydropower and infrastructure  development, including airports and road connectivity. At the same time, he acknowledged challenges such as trade imbalances, structural barriers, and Nepal’s sensitive geopolitical position. He proposed solutions including the expansion of the Himalayan railway, enhanced digital connectivity, cross-border infrastructure, sustainable development, and inclusive cooperation.
Prof. Zhang Jiadong emphasized that Nepal–China relations reflect the enduring legacy of two great civilizations with historically close and evolving ties. He stated that, the significant transformations taking place in Nepal represent the potential of youth engagement, energy, and leadership, which are key drivers of future opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of cross-cultural identity and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), underscoring the relevance of international connectivity and people-to-people interactions between China and Nepal.On the question of how China views Nepal’s new government following the Gen Z movement, he recalled President Xi Jinping’s belief that the youth should play a leading role in shaping the nation’s future. He emphasized that Nepal–China relations are not defined solely by political dynamics, but are rooted in a unique and enduring people-to-people connection.
Bibek Dhoj Thapa, one of the co-editors of the book and Program Coordinator and Research Associate at NIICE, said that they wanted to bring something fresh and new to Nepal–China literature. Beyond socio-economic and cultural aspects, the book also covers trans-Himalayan connectivity, media cooperation, military dimensions, technological developments such as artificial intelligence and electric vehicles, and soft power engagement not only through Buddhism but also through MICE engagement, among others.

“India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Forums” Organised at Nepal’s Industrial Hubs Birgunj and Hetauda

With a resolve to support the forward looking bilateral economic partnership agenda, in association with the Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI), Bara Parsa Udyog Sangh (BPUS), Makwanpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) and Confederation of Bagmati Province Industries (CBPI), PHDCCI India-Nepal Centre organised “India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Forums” on 15-16 April 2026 at Nepal’s industrial hubs Birgunj and Hetauda.
 

The forums provided uniquely important platforms to discuss the various matters concerning India-Nepal economic and trade cooperation with unwavering focus on Ease of Doing Business (EoDB), compliance, process-driven, technology-enabled and hassle-free transit at border points. India being Nepal’s largest trading partner, among others, the forums offered the dialogues and linkages among the Nepalese businesses for exploring investments and joint ventures with the Indian entities in the key focus sectors: Tourism & Hospitality, Agriculture & Food Processing, Ayurveda & Organic Foods, Hydro & Renewable Energy, Infrastructure, IT & New Technology (AI/Data Centers etc), Rare Minerals

Speaking in the forums, the “Chief Guest & Keynote Speaker” Devi Sahai Meena, Consul General of India, Birgunj, Nepal presented a brief overview on India-Nepal Economic & Commercial Relations and emphasized that the open borders and connectivity projects have been major facilitators of India-Nepal trade. He said, “Recent developments such as improvements in border infrastructure, enhanced connectivities including digital connectivity, operationalisation of Motihari-Amlekhganj Petroleum pipeline which is being further extended to Chitwan, enabling digital (Indian RuPay) payments, progress in bilateral power sector cooperation are expected to further boost bilateral trade between the two friendly nations.”
 
He underlined that India-Nepal cooperation and knowledge exchange can play a vital role. Both sides can learn from each other's experiences and leverage each other's strengths, he added, “By working together, India and Nepal can create a vibrant ecosystem that can foster startups, promote innovation, boost tourism, and create employment by establishing agriculture and agriculture-related industries. Cooperation in Ayurveda and AYUSH medicine can also be explored as this also holds good opportunities with people from around the globe having interest in this system of medicine and well-being.”
 
The forums were moderated by Atul K Thakur, Senior Secretary, India-Nepal Centre, PHDCCI and addressed by the industry leaders including: Ghanshyam Ojha, Director General, Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI); Pramod Kumar Sah, President (Madhesh Province),  Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI); Hari Prasad Gautam, President, Birgunj Chamber of Commerce & Industries (BiCCI); Suman Shrestha,  Immediate Past President, Chamber of Commerce & Industry-Chitwan (CCIC); Ashok Temani, Immediate Past President (Madhesh Province), FNCCI; Chiranjivi Subedi, President, Chamber of Commerce & Industry-Chitwan (CCIC); Mohan Sharma, President, Jeetpur Simra City Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Anil Kumar Agrawal, Immediate Past President, Birgunj Chamber of Commerce & Industries (BiCCI); Bishwash Pratap Shah, President, NYEF (FNCCI) – Birgunj Chapter; Niraj Agrawal, Vice President, NICCI Birgunj Chapter and Joint Treasurer, BiCCI; Pramod Singh Ranabhat, President, Makwanpur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI); Trilochan Kandel, President,  Confederation of Bagmati Province Industries (CBPI); Chandan Singh, First Vice President, NYEF Birgunj Chapter
 
The deliberations’ of the forums shall help opening new avenues of business engagements in the key sectors of economy besides giving a much needed boost to the trade near crucially important India-Nepal borders including Birgunj-Raxaul and at Hetauda industry cluster.

भूटानी अधिकार समूहले दियो नेपालका प्रधानमन्त्रीलाई बधाई, शरणार्थी समस्या समाधान गर्न आग्रह

हेग — भूटानमा राजनीतिक बन्दीहरूको रिहाइका लागि विश्वव्यापी अभियान भुटानका राजबन्दी रिहाइका लागि विश्व अभियान  (जीसीआरपीपीबी) ले नेपालका नवनियुक्त भएका बालेन्द्र शाहलाई बधाई दिएको छ।

संस्थाले एक विज्ञप्ति जारी गर्दै प्रधानमन्त्री शाहको नियुक्तिलाई ऐतिहासिक उपलब्धि भन्दै उनलाई सुशासन, पारदर्शिता र रूपान्तरणकारी नेतृत्वको प्रतीकका रूपमा हेरिएको उल्लेख गरेको छ।

जीसीआरपीपीबीका ग्लोबल कोअर्डिनेटर राम कार्कीद्वारा जारी विज्ञप्तिमा  नेपालका लागि यो महत्वपूर्ण घडी भएको उल्लेख गर्दै दशकौँदेखि नेपालमा रहेका भूटानी शरणार्थीहरूको मानवीय समस्यालाई प्राथमिकताका साथ सम्बोधन गर्न प्रधानमन्त्री शाहलाई आग्रह गरिएको छ। विज्ञप्तिमा  नेपाली मूलका हजारौँ भूटानी शरणार्थीहरू लामो समयदेखि अनिश्चिततामा जीवनयापन गरिरहेका छन् भन्दै धेरैजना अझैसम्म दीगो र सम्मानजनक समाधानको प्रतीक्षामा रहेको उल्लेख छ ।

अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय पुनर्वास कार्यक्रमले केही राहत दिएको भए पनि उल्लेख्य संख्यामा शरणार्थीहरू अझै अधिकार, अवसर र सुरक्षासम्बन्धी चुनौतीको सामना गरिरहेका छन्।

प्रधानमन्त्री शाहको नियुक्तिपूर्वका हप्ताहरूमा जीसीआरपीपीबीले यस समस्याको न्यायोचित र दीगो समाधानका लागि आफ्ना मुख्य मागहरू पेश गरेको जनाउँदै ती मागहरू पुनः दोहोर्याएको छ।

संस्थाले अहिले पनि पूर्वी नेपालका शरणार्थी शिविरहरुमा रहेका झन्डै ६,५०० भूटानी शरणार्थीहरूका लागि स्वेच्छिक स्वदेश फिर्ती (repatriation), स्थानीय समायोजन (integration) वा तेस्रो मुलुकमा पुनर्स्थापनाका लागि
 स्पष्ट र पारदर्शी विकल्प सुनिश्चित गर्न माग गरेको छ। साथै, भूटानसँग कूटनीतिक पहल गरी सुरक्षित र सम्मानजनक स्वदेश फिर्तीका  लागि समयसीमासहित संवाद पुनः सुरु गर्न तथा शरणार्थी प्रतिनिधित्वसहित कार्यदल गठन गर्न पनि आग्रह गरेको छ।

स्थायी समाधान नआएसम्म नेपालमा रहेका शरणार्थीहरूको संरक्षण, कानुनी हैसियत र आधारभूत अधिकारमा पहुँच सुदृढ गर्न, शरणार्थी व्यवस्थापन प्रणालीमा देखिएका अनियमितताहरू समाधान गरी जवाफदेहिता कायम गर्न, तथा अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय संघसंस्थासँग सहकार्य गरी अधिकारमा आधारित दीर्घकालीन समाधान खोज्न पनि संस्थाले जोड दिएको छ।

भुटानी राजनीतिक बन्दिहरूको रिहाइको लागि कुटनीतिक पहल गर्नु पनि आग्रह गरेको छ।  विश्व अभियानले प्रधानमन्त्री शाहको नेतृत्वमा यी संवेदनशील मुद्दाहरूले आवश्यक ध्यान पाउने विश्वास व्यक्त गर्दै नेपालले भूटानी शरणार्थी समस्याको मानवीय र स्थायी समाधानतर्फ अघि बढ्ने अपेक्षा पनि गरेको छ।

विश्व अभियानका अनुसार अहिले पनि भुटानका विभिन्न जेलहरुमा कम्तीमा ३० जना  राजनीतिक बन्दीहरु दशकौं देखि थुनामा रहेका छन्। 

Rethinking Ambassadorial Appointments for Stability and Merit

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With the government recalling ambassadors who were previously appointed on the basis of political power-sharing among parties, leadership positions in 17 important diplomatic missions have become vacant. Nepal currently has no ambassadors in key countries such as neighboring India and China, as well as important partner nations including the United States, Japan, Israel, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Russia. Including three United Nations missions, ambassadors from the foreign service are currently serving in 17 missions.

At present, there are legal complications in appointing ambassadors to Spain and Germany, but for the remaining 15 countries, recommendations for appointments need to be made immediately. Now, the question arises: what kind of individuals should be appointed as ambassadors? Public debate and internal government discussions have likely already begun on this issue.

According to the recent practice adopted by the Government of Nepal, half of the ambassadors are appointed from the foreign service and the other half from outside it. If this practice is followed, it may require appointing 17 ambassadors from outside the foreign service. However, if the government intends to establish a new standard and consider global practices, it would be more appropriate to appoint most ambassadors from within the foreign service. Appointing ambassadors based on the qualifications and competence of joint secretaries in the foreign service would send a message that Nepal seeks stability in its diplomacy. Just as an electoral mandate ensures political stability, a strong government should also ensure stability in the diplomatic sphere.

If appointments are to be made from outside the foreign service, suitable candidates could include individuals working in universities in Nepal who are not affiliated with political parties. Likewise, those who have been engaged in research and run think tanks within the country could also be appropriate choices. Ultimately, this decision lies with the government.

The government must seriously reflect on the legacy of sending political workers abroad as ambassadors as a form of reward. Such mistakes should not be repeated in the future.

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पूर्व गोर्खा सैनिकको पेन्सनमा राष्ट्रपति पौडेलको चासो

काठमाडौं, २६ माघ
राष्ट्रपति रामचन्द्र पौडेलले पूर्व ब्रिटिश गोर्खाको समान पेन्सन लगायतका बिषयमा नेपाल र बेलायतबीच भइरहेका छलफलबारे चासो राखेका छन् । उनले पूर्व ब्रिटिश गोर्खा सैनिकका जायज गुनासोलाई द्धिपक्षीय कूटनीतिक संयन्त्रको माध्यमबाट टुंगोमा पु¥याउनुपर्नेसमेत बताएका छन् । बेलायती सेनाका मेजर जनरल जेरल्ड एम स्ट्रिकलेण्डसहितको टोलीबाट सोमवार गोर्खा विग्रेडको बार्षिक प्रतिवेदन बुझ्ने क्रममा राष्ट्रपति पौडेलले अबकास पाएका गोर्खा सैनिकको पेन्सन लगायतका बिषयमा चासो राखेका थिए ।
‘पूर्व ब्रिटिश गोर्खाका केही जायज गुनासाहरू सम्बोधन गर्न कूटनीतिक तहमा  छलफल भइरहेको र यो विषय द्विपक्षीय संयन्त्रको माध्यमबाट छिट्टै टुंगोमा पु¥याउन उचित हुने आफूलाई लागेको राष्ट्रपतिले बताउनुभयो’ राष्ट्रपतिका प्रेस सल्लाहकार किरण पोखरेलले भने ।  राष्ट्रपति पौडेलले अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय मञ्चहरूमा नेपाल र बेलायतले   विकास, मानव कल्याण र शान्तिसँग सम्बन्ध राख्ने विषयहरूमा सहकार्य गर्दै आएको, राष्ट्रसंघीय शान्तिसेना मार्फत् विश्वशान्ति स्थापनाबारे समान धारणा राखिरहेको समेत बताएका थिए ।
सन् १९९७ भन्दा अघि बेलायती सेनाबाट अवकाश पाएका गोर्खा सैनिकले  बेलायती सैनिकसरह पेन्सन र कल्याणकारी सुविधा तथा क्षतिपूर्ति दिलाउनुपर्ने माग गर्दै लामो समयदेखि आन्दोलन गर्दै आएका छन् ।
भुतपूर्व गोर्खा सैनिकलाई बेलायती सरह पेन्सन लगायतका सुविधाका सम्बन्धमा नेपाल–बेलायत वार्ता हुँदै आए पनि अहिलेसम्म टुंगोमा पुग्न सकेको छैन । हाल बेलायतस्थित कार्यवाहक नेपाली राजदूत विपिन दवाडीले बेलायती अधिकारीहरुसँग यो बिषयमा चरणबद्ध छलफल गरिरहेको परराष्ट्र मन्त्रालय श्रोतले जनाएको छ ।  भुपु गोर्खाका प्रतिनिधिसहित दुई देशबीच बिगतमा भएका मन्त्रीस्तरीय वार्तामा बेलायतले कानूनी र व्यवहारिक अड्चन देखाउँदै गोर्खा पूर्व सैनिकलाई बेलायती सरह पेन्सन दिन नसक्ने अडान राखेपछि त्यो स्तरमा वार्ता हुन सकेको छैन । तर, पेन्सन लगायतका बिषयमा एकैपटक कुनै वैकल्पिक प्याकेजमा समाधान गर्न सकिने बिषयमा नेपाली र बेलायती अधिकारीबीच छलफल हुँदै आएको छ ।  
भूपू गोर्खा सैनिकका माग समाधानका लागि सुझाव कार्यदलले गोर्खालाई पनि बेलायतीसरह समान पेन्सन र सुविधा उपलब्ध गराउनुपर्ने प्रतिवेदन १८ चैत ०७४ मा नेपाल र बेलायत सरकारलाई दिएको थियो । भूपू गोर्खा सैनिकले त्यही प्रतिवेदन कार्यान्वयनमा जोड दिँदै आएका छन् ।
सोमवार प्रतिबेदन बुझ्ने क्रममा राष्ट्रपति पौडेलले ब्रिटिस गोर्खाले आफ्नो प्रशंसनीय कार्यहरूको माध्यमबाट नेपाल र बेलायतबीच द्विपक्षीय सम्बन्ध थप मजबूत बनाएको पनि बताएका थिए । बेलायतमा  नेपालीहरूको उपस्थितिले दुई देशबीच रहिआएको जनस्तरको सम्बन्ध थप सुदृढीकरण भएको राष्ट्रपतिको भनाई थियो ।
गोर्खा विग्रेडको  सन् २०२५ को वार्षिक प्रतिवेदन प्रस्तुत भएकोमा राष्ट्रपति पौडेलले बेलायत सरकारलाई धन्यवाद दिएका थिए । बेलायती सेनाका मेजर जनरल  जेरल्ड एम स्ट्रिकलेण्डले ब्रिटिश गोर्खा सेना सँधै अग्रपंक्तिमा रहेको बताउँदै प्रशंसा गरेका थिए । ‘ब्रिटिश गोर्खामा भर्ना भएका युवाहरूलाई तपाईँहरू  नेपालका छोरा, छोरी हो भनेर मैले  सम्झाउने गरेको छु’ जेरल्डले भने, ‘बेलायती जनताले गोर्खा नेपालीहरूप्रति  मायाँ र सम्मान प्रकट गर्ने गरेका छन् ।’

Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment establishes first Asia hub in Kathmandu

 ICIMOD to host regional hub of prestigious global network in bid to increase scientific knowledge and policy responses to at-risk mountain biodiversity

Kathmandu/ Bern, 1 September 2025 - The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) has become the third regional hub for the Global Mountain Biodiversity Assessment (GMBA) global research network, reflecting both the region’s immense biological richness and precarity. The GMBA Hindu Kush Himalaya hub, which will be hosted by the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, will set out to develop assessments on the status, trends, and knowledge gaps on the zone’s biodiversity and enhance regional research capacity at a critical moment for mountain ecosystems. It will also examine drivers of change and evaluate the flow of Nature’s Contributions to People (NCP).  “It’s an honour and a great responsibility for ICIMOD to become the latest regional hub in the important GMBA network,” said Izabella Koziell, Deputy Director General, ICIMOD, at a ceremony to mark the hub’s opening. “Mountain ecosystems in our region and around the world are on the brink of collapse – so this platform and the visibility and additional capacity that this collaboration brings could not be more important or timely.”    Speaking on the agreement, Markus Fischer, Co-Chair of GMBA, states: “ICIMOD’s excellent expertise in employing knowledge for sustainable development in the HKH region perfectly complements GMBA’s strengths in global mountain biodiversity research. We are very much looking forward to this synergistic collaboration, to the benefit of biodiversity and people.” Under this agreement, ICIMOD will initiate the HKH Biodiversity Assessment in 2025 and lead its implementation and coordination across the region. The HKH Biodiversity Assessment seeks to enhance understanding of mountain biodiversity in the region through systematic knowledge mapping, analysis of publicly available datasets, and expert consultations. The agreement is the latest in a sustained focus on biodiversity within ICIMOD, including this year’s appointment of Sarala Khaling, a leading conservation expert to head the organisation’s Resilient Landscape and Economies group, the promotion of Sunita Chaudhary to the role of Biodiversity Lead, and the hosting of the first-ever IPBES Lead Authors workshop in Asia in February 2024.  GMBA serves as a platform for scientists and stakeholders to connect and share knowledge about mountain ecosystems and species. Initiated by the Swiss Academy of Sciences in 2000, the GMBA has evolved into a global research network under Future Earth since 2016. It is managed by an international Scientific Steering Committee and supported by various funding bodies, including the Swiss Academy of Natural Sciences.

India's 'Laxman Rekha' against terrorism : Narendra Modi

 The world has just witnessed the power of this slogan. Bharat Mata Ki Jai is not just a slogan, it is the oath of every soldier of the country who puts his life at stake for the honour and dignity of Maa Bharati. It is the voice of every citizen of the country who wants to live for the country, wants to achieve something. Bharat Mata Ki Jai resonates in the field as well as in the mission. When the soldiers of India chant Maa Bharati Ki Jai, the enemy's heart trembles. When our drones destroy the walls of the enemy's fort, when our missiles reach the target with a whizzing sound, the enemy hears - Bharat Mata Ki Jai! When we make the sun rise even in the darkness of the night, the enemy sees - Bharat Mata Ki Jai! When our forces foil the threat of nuclear blackmail, only one thing resounds from the sky to the underworld - Bharat Mata Ki Jai!

Indeed, all of you have made millions of Indians proud, made every Indian proud. You have created history. And I have come among you early in the morning to see you. When the feet of the brave fall on the earth, the earth becomes blessed, when one gets the opportunity to see the brave, life becomes blessed. And that is why I have come here early in the morning to see you. Even after many decades from today, when this valour of India will be discussed, its most important chapter will be you and your companions. All of you have become a new inspiration for the present as well as the future generations of the country. From this land of heroes, today I salute all the brave soldiers of the Air Force, Navy and Army, our brave soldiers of the BSF. Because of your valour, the echo of Operation Sindoor is being heard in every corner. During this entire operation, every Indian stood with you, every Indian's prayer is for you. Today every citizen of the country is grateful to its soldiers and their families, and is indebted to them.

Operation Sindoor is not an ordinary military operation. It is the confluence of India's policy, intentions and decisiveness. India is the land of Buddha as well as Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Guru Gobind Singh Ji had said -सवा लाख सेएक लड़ाऊं , चि ड़ि यन तेमबाज़ तड़ुाऊं , तबैगु गोबि दं सि हं नाम कहाऊं ।” It is our tradition to take up arms to destroy evil and establish righteousness. That is why when the vermilion (sindoor) of our sisters and daughters was snatched away, we crushed the terrorists' fangs by entering their homes. They had come hiding like cowards, but they forgot that the one they had challenged was the Indian Army. You attacked them from the front and killed them, you destroyed all the big bases of terror, 9 terrorist hideouts were destroyed, more than 100 terrorists were killed, the masters of terror have now understood that there will be only one result of raising an eye towards India - destruction! There will be only one result of shedding the blood of innocent people in India - destruction and great devastation! The Indian Army, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy have defeated the Pakistani Army on which these terrorists were relying. You have also told the Pakistani Army that there is no such place in Pakistan where terrorists can sit and breathe in peace. We will enter their homes and kill them and will not give them even a chance to escape. And our drones, our missiles, Pakistan will not be able to sleep for many days thinking about them. कौशल दि खलाया चाल म, उड़ गया भयानक भाल म। नि र्भी क गया वह ढाल म, सरपट दौड़ा करवाल म। These lines are written on Maharana Pratap's famous horse Chetak, but these lines also fit today's modern Indian weapons.

With Operation Sindoor, you have boosted the self-confidence of the country, tied the country in the thread of unity, and you have protected the borders of India, given new heights to the self-respect of India.

You did something that is unprecedented, unimaginable, amazing. Our Air Force targeted the terror bases so deep in Pakistan. Only a professional force equipped with modern technology can do this, to penetrate the targets across the border, to hit the pin-point targets within just 20-25 minutes. Your speed and precision were of such a level that the enemy was stunned. He did not even realize when his heart was pierced.

Our target was to hit the terror headquarters inside Pakistan, to hit the terrorists. But the conspiracy hatched by Pakistan by using its passenger planes, I can imagine how difficult that moment would be, when the civilian aircraft is visible, and I am proud that you very carefully, very cautiously destroyed the targets without harming civilian aircraft, you gave a befitting reply to it. I can say with pride that all of you have lived up to your targets. Not only were the terrorist hideouts and their air bases destroyed in Pakistan, but their evil intentions and their audacity, both have been defeated.

The enemy, frustrated by Operation Sindoor, tried several times to attack this airbase as well as many of our airbases. It targeted us again and again, but Pakistan's evil intentions failed every time. Pakistan's drones, its UAVs, Pakistan's aircraft and its missiles, all were destroyed in front of our strong air defense. I heartily appreciate the leadership associated with all the airbases of the country, every air-warrior of the Indian Air Force, you have really done a great job.

India's Laxman Rekha against terrorism is now very clear. Now if there is any terror attack again, India will give a befitting reply. We have seen this during the surgical strike, during the air strike, and now Operation Sindoor is India's new normal. And as I said yesterday, India has now decided three principles, first - if there is a terrorist attack on India, we will respond in our own way, on our own terms, at our own time. Second - India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. Third, we will not see the government that patronizes terror and the masters of terror separately. The world is also moving forward by understanding this new form of India, this new system.

Each and every moment of Operation Sindoor testifies to the strength of the Indian forces. During this time, the coordination of our forces, I would really say, was excellent. Be it the Army, Navy or the Air Force, the coordination of all was tremendous. The Navy established its dominance on the sea. The Army strengthened the border. And the Indian Air Force attacked as well as defended. The BSF and other forces have also demonstrated amazing capabilities. Integrated air and land combat systems have done a great job. And this is what unity is, it has now become a strong identity of the strength of the Indian forces.

In Operation Sindoor, along with manpower, the coordination of machines has also been amazing. Whether it is India's traditional air defence systems, which have seen many wars, or our Made in India platforms like Akash, modern and strong defence systems like S-400 have given them unprecedented strength. A strong security shield has become the identity of India. Despite Pakistan's many efforts, our airbases, or our other defence infrastructure, have not been harmed. And the credit for this goes to all of you, and I am proud of all of you, every soldier deployed on the border, every person associated with this operation deserves credit for this.

Today we have such a capability of new and cutting edge technology that Pakistan cannot compete with. In the last decade, all our forces, including the Air Force, have received the best technology in the world. But we all know that with new technology, challenges are equally big. Maintaining complicated and sophisticated systems, operating them with efficiency, is a great skill. You have shown by connecting tech with tactics. You have proved that you are the best in this game, in the world. The Indian Air Force has now become expert at defeating the enemy not only with weapons but also with data and drones.

India has only suspended its military action after Pakistan's request. If Pakistan again shows terrorist activity or military audacity, we will give it a befitting reply. We will give this reply on our own terms, in our own way. And the foundation of this decision, the belief hidden behind it, is the patience, bravery, courage and alertness of all of you. You have to maintain this courage, this passion, this spirit. We have to remain constantly alert, we have to be prepared. We have to keep reminding the enemy that this is a new India. This India wants peace, but, if humanity is attacked, then this India also knows very well how to destroy the enemy on the war front. With this resolve, let us say once again. 

(Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's interaction with the air warriors and soldiers at the Adampur Air Base)

Preparations for Sagarmatha Sambad, top delegations from abroad will not come

Kathmandu, Top delegations from neighboring India and China will not come for the Sagarmatha Sambad organized by the government from May 16 to 18. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and heads of government/state of various countries were invited to participate in the program. However, no country will participate at the level of head of state or head of government.
Minister for Forest, Environment and Climate Change Bhupendra Yadav from neighboring India and Vice Chairman of the National People's Congress Xiao Ji from China have been scheduled to participate. Ji will be the most senior official from abroad to attend the Sagarmatha Sambad. He is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on Thursday with four Chinese People's Congress officials and 11 staff.
Coordinator of the Sagarmatha Sambad Management Committee Dr. According to information given by Arju Rana Deuba at a press conference organized on Tuesday, apart from the Indian minister and the vice chairman of the Chinese People's Congress, a total of four ministers and four deputy ministers will come from abroad. A total of 175 people, including government officials and experts, will come from abroad, while 350 Nepalis, including Nepalis, will participate in the Sagarmatha Sambad.
Foreign Minister Rana informed that Azerbaijan's Minister for Natural Resources and COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev, Bangladesh's Interim Minister for Social Welfare, Women and Children Sharmeen Sonia Murshid, Bhutan's Minister for Energy and Natural Resources Jem Tshering, and Maldives' Minister for Tourism and Environment Thorik Ibrahim are scheduled to attend the program.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan's Deputy Foreign Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Akiko Ikuina, United Arab Emirates' (UAE) Assistant Foreign Minister for Energy Affairs Abdullah Balala, UK's Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Baroness Susan Hayman, Qatar's Deputy Minister for Climate Change and Special Envoy Badr Omar Al Dafa, Kyrgyzstan's Special Representative for the President, and Dinara Kamelova, the official overseeing the implementation of the Five-Year Action Plan for Mountainous Development, will participate.
Oman's Ambassador Issa bin Saleh Al Shibani, Brazil's Ambassador Carlos Alberto Michelsen den Hartog, Egypt's Ambassador Noah Hamdi Ahmed Elgebali, SAARC Secretary General Golam Sarwar, BIMSTEC Secretary General Indramani Pandey, UN Representative to Nepal Hana Singer Hamdi, World Bank's South Asia Regional Vice President Martin Reiser, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Regional Vice President Fatima Yasmin will participate. Representation from South Asian countries Sri Lanka and Pakistan has not been confirmed. Apart from the ambassador, the delegation from the US has not been finalized. ‘61 foreign and dozens of domestic organizations and institutions from development aid organizations, universities, think tanks, research and inquiry centers, civil society, NGOs, etc. will also participate in this dialogue,’ said Foreign Minister Rana.
‘People deemed suitable by their countries are coming for the Sagarmatha Dialogue. Those who know the subject will participate well,’ said Foreign Minister Rana.
The main theme of the Sagarmatha Dialogue is climate change, the mountains and the future of humanity. ‘The aim is to communicate, discuss and reach a conclusion for solutions to various problems and issues of the human world,’ said Foreign Minister Rana.
She said that the preparations for the dialogue have reached the final stage. ‘We have carried out various stages of preparation. Ten preparatory programs have been completed,’ she said.
The Sagarmatha Dialogue is scheduled to be inaugurated by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on May 16. Then, the leaders of the Indian and Chinese delegations, and the Azerbaijani President's representative on climate issues will address the opening session. After that, there will be a detailed discussion on the impact of climate change on various sessions. She said that all the participating countries and international and regional organizations will be given the opportunity to address thematic sessions.
A total of about 350 participants, including about 175 foreign guests and about the same number of Nepali participants, will participate in the Sagarmatha Dialogue.

अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति कार्यालयमा ट्रम्प–जेलेन्स्की झडप, विश्वमा तरंग आक्रामक ट्रम्प, रक्षात्मक जेलेन्स्की,

काठमाडौं, अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प र युक्रेनी राष्ट्रपति भोलोदिमिर जेलेन्स्कीबीच शुक्रवार राती ह्वाइट हाउसमा भएको छलफल तनाबपूर्ण र असफल भएको छ ।  जेलेन्स्कीको भ्रमणमा अमेरिका र युक्रेनबीच खनिज सम्झौतामा सम्झौता गर्ने र रूससँग युक्रेनको सम्भावित युद्धविरामको बारेमा छलफल गर्ने अपेक्षा थियो । तर, छलफल दुई पक्षबीच चर्काचर्की र वाकयुद्धमा परिणत भएपनि त्यस्तो कुनै सम्झौता हुन सकेन भने युद्धविरामबारे गम्भीर छलफल पनि हुन सकेन ।
अमेरिकासँग असफल वार्तापछि जेलेन्स्की बेलायत पुगे ।  बेलायतसहित युरोपियन देशले जेलेन्स्कीलाई समर्थन र सहयोग गर्ने उद्घोष गरेका छन् । यसको अग्रसरता बेलायतका प्रधानमन्त्रीले लिएका छन् । यद्यपि उनीहरुले अमेरिकी सहयोग प्राथमिकतामा राखेका छन् । युक्रेनले खोजेको सुरक्षा ग्यारेन्टीमा युरोपियन देशहरुले ऐक्यबद्धता जनाएका छन् तर अमेरिकाले यस्तो पूर्वशर्त स्वीकार्य नहुने स्पष्ट पारिसकेको छ ।
पत्रकारको सामू भएको करिब ४९ मिनेट सवालजबाफमा रक्षामत्मक देखिएका जेलेन्स्कीले रुसी राष्ट्रपति पुटिनले बिगतमा पटकपटक धोका दिएको आरोप लगाउँदै शान्तिका लागि अमेरिकासँग सुरक्षा ग्यारेन्टी मागे ।वार्तामा अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्पले रुसी राष्ट्रपति भ्लादिमिर पुटिनले शान्ति चाहेको तर जेलेन्स्कीले तेश्रो युद्धको जुवा खेलेको आरोप लगाए ।
शुरुमा हार्दिकरुमपा शुरु भएको वार्ताका क्रममा अमेरिकी उपराष्ट्रपति जेडी भान्सले जेलेन्सीको मागप्रति आलोचना गरे । राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्पले जेलेन्स्कीलाई शान्तिका लागि अग्रसर नभएर तेस्रो विश्वयुद्धको जुवा खेलेको आरोप लगाए ।
ट्रम्पले अचानक बैठक सके, संयुक्त पत्रकार सम्मेलन रद्द भयो । त्यसपछि जेलेन्स्कीलाई ह्वाइट हाउसबाट बाहिर जान अमेरिकी अधिकारीले सुझाब दिए । ओभल अफिसमा ट्रम्पको स्वागत पाएका जेलेन्स्की त्यहाँबाट एक्लै बाहिरिनु परेको थियो ।
अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति डोनाल्ड ट्रम्प, उपराष्ट्रपति जेडी भान्स र युक्रेनी राष्ट्रपति भोलोदिमिर जेलेन्स्कीबीच ओभल अफिस (अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपतिको कार्यालय) मा वाकयुद्धपछि विश्व तरंगित भएको छ ।
सन् २०२२ फेब्रुअरी २२ मा रुसले युक्रेनमाथि हमला गरेको थियो । जारी युद्धका क्रममा दुवैतर्फ ठूलो जनधनको क्षति भएको छ । ट्रम्पले रुसी राष्ट्रपति पुटिनसँग निकट सम्बन्ध बनाएका छन्  । जेलेन्स्कीसँग बैठकपछि ट्रम्पले सामाजिक सञ्जाल एक्स्मा लेखेका छन्, ‘जेलेन्स्की  शान्तिको लागि तयार भएमा ह्वाइटहाउसमा फर्किन सक्छन् ।’
जेलेन्स्कीले ट्रम्पलाई रूसले फेरि युद्धविराम उल्लङ्घन नगर्ने कुरा कसरी सुनिश्चित गर्ने भन्ने बारेमा थप स्पष्ट हुन खोजेका थिए । यसलाई ट्रम्पले महत्व दिएनन् । ट्रम्पको भनाई थियो, ‘म सुरक्षाका बारेमा होइन, शान्ति सम्झौताका बारेमा चिन्तित छु । यो महत्वपूर्ण कुरा हो ।’
 
दुई राष्ट्रपतिहरू एउटै सोफामा बसेका थिए । उपराष्ट्रपति भान्सले जेलेन्स्कीलाई कृतघ्न भन्दै शान्तिका लागि मरिमेटेका राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्पलाई धन्यवादसमेत नदिएको भन्दै आलोचना गरे । जेलेन्स्कीले भने ट्रम्प र अमेरिकी जनतालाई पटकपटक धन्यवाद दिएको भन्दै प्रतिबाद गरे ।
रुसको व्यवहारका सन्दर्भमा अमेरिकाले भविश्यमा राम्रोसँग थाहा पाउनेछ र महसुस गर्नेछ भन्दै जेलेन्स्कीले सम्झाउन थालेपछि ट्रम्प रिसाएका थिए । ‘हामी के महसुस गर्छौँ तपाईँले भन्नु पर्दैन ।तपाईं लाखौं मानिसहरूको जीवनसँग जुवा खेल्दै हुनुहुन्छ । तपाईं तेस्रो विश्वयुद्धको जुवा खेल्दै हुनुहुन्छ’ ट्रम्पको प्रतिक्रिया थियो ।
जेलेन्स्कीले सामाजिक सञ्जालमा लेखेका छन्, ‘हामी संयुक्त राज्य अमेरिकाबाट प्राप्त सबै प्रकारको सहयोगको लागि धेरै नै आभारी छौं । म राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्प र कंग्रेसप्रति उनीहरूको सहयोगका लागि आभारी छु । साथै अमेरिकी जनता हाम्रो साथमा उभिएकोमा म आभारी छु। युक्रेनी जनताले सधैं यो समर्थनको कदर गरेका छन् ।’
उनले युक्रेनको  अस्तित्वका लागि अमेरिकी सहयोग महत्वपूर्ण रहेको उल्लेख गदै वार्ताको तिक्तताका बाबजुत दुई देश रणनीतिक साझेदार रहेको बताए । यद्यपि ट्रम्पप्रसित लक्षित उनको भनाई थियो, ‘तर हाम्रा साझा लक्ष्यहरूलाई साँच्चै बुझ्नको लागि हामीले एकअर्कासँग इमानदार र स्पष्ट हुनुपर्छ।’
युक्रेनको लागि अमेरिकी सहयोगको आवश्यकता रहेको भन्दै एक्समा जेलेन्स्कीले लेखेका छन्, ‘राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्पको समर्थन प्राप्त गर्नु हाम्रो लागि धेरै महत्त्वपूर्ण छ । उहाँ युद्ध अन्त्य गर्न चाहनुहुन्छ, तर हामी भन्दा बढी शान्ति अरू कसैले चाहेको होला र । हामी युद्धमा युक्रेनमा बाँचिरहेका छौँ । यो हाम्रो स्वतन्त्रता र हाम्रो अस्तित्वको लागि लडाई हो।’
पूर्व अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति रेगनलाई उद्धृत गर्दै उनले लेखेका छन्, ‘ शान्तिको अर्थ युद्धको अनुपस्थिति मात्र होइन, हामी सबैका लागि न्यायपूर्ण र दिगो शान्ति अर्थात् स्वतन्त्रता, न्याय र मानव अधिकारको कुरा गरिरहेका छौँ ।रूसी राष्ट्रपति पुटिनसँग युद्धविरामको कुनै अर्थ रहने छैन । उनले १० वर्षमा २५ पटक युद्धविराम तोडेका छन्।’
जेलेन्स्कीले शुक्रवार हुन नसकेको खनिद सम्झौताका पक्षमा र यसका लागि तयार रहेको पनि उल्लेख गरेका छन् । यसलाई सुरक्षा ग्यारेन्टीका लागि पहिलो कदमका रुपमा उनले बुझेका छन् ।
‘हामी खनिज सम्झौतामा हस्ताक्षर गर्न तयार छौं र यो सुरक्षा ग्यारेन्टीतर्फको पहिलो कदम हुनेछ। तर यो पर्याप्त छैन र हामीलाई यो भन्दा बढी चाहिन्छ। सुरक्षा ग्यारेन्टी बिनाको युद्धविराम युक्रेनको लागि खतरनाक छ। हामी तीन वर्षदेखि लडिरहेका छौं र युक्रेनी जनताले अमेरिका हाम्रो पक्षमा छ भनेर जान्न आवश्यक छ’ उनको भनाई छ, ‘ म रुसप्रति युक्रेनको अडान परिवर्तन गर्न सक्दिन । रुस शत्रु हो र हामी यो वास्तविकताको सामना गरिरहेका छौं। युक्रेन शान्ति चाहन्छ तर यो स्थायी हुनुपर्छ। शान्ति तब मात्र आउनेछ जब हामीले सुरक्षा ग्यारेन्टी पाउँछौं, जब हाम्रो सेना बलियो हुन्छ र हाम्रा सहयोगीहरू हामीसँग हुन्छन् ।’
ट्रम्पले जेलेन्स्कीमाथि कडा आलोचना गर्दै लाखौंको जीवन खतरामा पारेको आरोप लगाए ।  
जेलेन्स्कीको पहिरन  चर्चामा
शुक्रबार ह्वाइट हाउसमा युक्रेनी राष्ट्रपति जेलेन्स्कीको पहिरनबारे चर्चा भयो । ओभल अफिसमा एकजना अमेरिकी पत्रकारले प्रश्न सोधे, ‘ तपाईं किन सुट लगाउनुहुन्न? के तपाईंसँग सुट छ?’ कोठामा रहेका ट्रम्प, उपराष्ट्रपति जेडी भान्स र कोठामा रहेका अधिकारीहरु हाँसे । जेलेन्स्कीले पत्रकारलाई प्रतिप्रश्न गरे, ‘यसमा के तपाईंलाई समस्या छ?’
पत्रकारले भने, ‘धेरै अमेरिकीहरूलाई ओभल अफिसको ड्रेस कोडको सम्मान नगर्नेहरूसँग समस्या छ।’
जेलेन्स्कीले जबाफ दिए, ‘म युक्रेनको रूससँगको युद्ध समाप्त भएपछि मात्र आफ्नो पोशाकमा पुनर्विचार गर्नेछु । युद्ध समाप्त भएपछि (सूट) पोशाक लगाउनेछु । सायद तपाईंको जस्तै केहि, सायद अझ राम्रो । अझ केही सस्तो ।’ त्यसो त, वार्ताअघि  ओभल अफिस बाहिर ट्रम्पले जेलेन्स्कीलाई स्वागत गर्ने क्रममा जेलेन्स्कीको पहिरनको चर्चा गरे । ‘तपाईँले चिटिक्क पहिरन लगाउनुभएको छ’ ट्रम्पले भने ।
रुसले भन्यो ः जेलेन्स्की कूटनीतिकरुपमा असफल
शुक्रबार अमेरिकी राष्ट्रपति ट्रम्प र युक्रेनी जेलेन्स्कीबीच ओभल अफिसमा भएको संवादलाई रुसले युक्रेनको कूटनीतिक असफलता भनेको छ । शनिवार रुसको विदेश मन्त्रालयले युक्रेनी राष्ट्रपतिको वाशिंगटन भ्रमण कूटनीतिकरुपमा पूर्ण असफल भएको टिप्पणि गरेको छ ।
‘फेब्रुअरी २८ मा वाशिंगटनको भ्रमण  कीभ शासनको पूर्ण राजनीतिक र कूटनीतिक असफलता हो,’ क्रेमलिन विदेश मन्त्रालयकी प्रवक्ता मारिया जाखारोभाले शनिवार जारी विज्ञप्तिमा भनिन् । जाखारोभाले युक्रेनी राष्ट्रपति युद्ध लम्ब्याउन चाहेको आरोप लगाइन् । रुसले युक्रेनको निशस्त्रीकरण र हाल नियन्त्रणमा रहेका सबै क्षेत्रहरु रुसमा बिलय नै आफ्नो लक्ष्य रहेको बताएको छ ।
‘वाशिंगटन बसाइँको क्रममा आफ्नो अत्यन्तै असभ्य व्यवहारको साथ, जेलेन्स्कीले पुष्टि गरे कि उनी युद्ध उक्साउने  गैरजिम्मेवार व्यक्तिको रूपमा विश्व समुदायको लागि सबैभन्दा खतरनाक व्यक्ति हुन्’ रुसी विज्ञप्तिमा भनिएको छ ।