Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nepal

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the 'MOFA Mitra' mobile application to provide online consular services to citizens abroad and their families. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated the app aims to make public services more convenient and citizen-friendly by allowing online registration of concerns and tracking of requests. The application is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

Nepal and Norway held their second Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting in Kathmandu, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation. Discussions focused on development, renewable energy, climate resilience, and exploring new avenues in the green economy, including clean energy transition and electric mobility.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met with Juan Antonio March Pujol, the Non-Resident Ambassador of Spain to Nepal, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation, particularly in the tourism sector. The meeting also explored expanding collaboration in areas of shared interest between the two nations.

Nepal has formally requested the United Nations to postpone its graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to November 2029, citing significant economic challenges. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has cited five key reasons for the deferral, including the impact of regional conflicts, risks to preferential market access, and slow transition preparations.

Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to both India and China regarding the use of the Lipulekh Pass, with India responding promptly while China has remained silent. The Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs is awaiting a response from Beijing to clarify its position on the disputed territory, which has been a point of contention based on historical treaties and border definitions.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in Nepal has reduced the operating hours of its Emergency Control Room (ECR) from 24/7 to 12 hours daily, citing a normalization of conditions for Nepalis in West Asia. Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri stated the ECR will now operate from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, as recent contacts and registrations via the room have significantly decreased. The government continues to monitor developments in West Asia, supporting diplomatic efforts for peace and the resolution of blockages in the Strait of Hormuz.

Nepal has formally requested a postponement of its graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, seeking to extend the timeline to November 2029. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the deferral request, citing concerns that losing LDC-specific benefits could expose the economy to serious shocks during a fragile period. The government has communicated its position to the United Nations, highlighting global instability, regional conflicts, and the lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic as key pressures.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Nepali tea exports to India have become smoother after diplomatic efforts led to the Indian Tea Board revising a directive that had previously disrupted shipments. Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri stated that coordination between the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi and the ministry was instrumental in convincing India to amend the directive.

Non-Resident Ambassador of Spain to Nepal, Juan Antonio March Pujol, met with Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, to discuss agricultural modernization, digitalization, and bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Pujol sought Nepal's support for Spain's candidate in the 2027 FAO Director-General election, to which Minister Chaudhary agreed to consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As of the latest reports, 87,863 Nepalis have contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with most reported to be safe and some seeking repatriation. Separately, a Nepali national in Japan, Pradip Bhatta, is accused of defrauding dozens of students by collecting significant sums for visa extensions and job arrangements, leaving them in distress.