Archive · 31 Dec 2025
Nepal Appoints New Foreign Minister Amid Diplomatic Challenges
Nepal has a new foreign minister named Balananda Sharma.
He was a general in the army before this job.
The prime minister, Sushila Karki, had been doing this job too, but now Sharma will handle it.
Nepal is getting ready for big elections in March 2026.
Before this, Nepal brought back 11 ambassadors from different countries.
Some people think this is because the ambassadors weren't doing a good job.
The Chinese ambassador left Nepal recently, and there are some problems with a big airport project in Pokhara that was built by a Chinese company.
The US ambassador will also leave soon.
Some people are worried that Nepal might not have enough important diplomats in place for the elections.
The new foreign minister might help Nepal talk to other countries better before the elections.
Nepal has appointed Balananda Sharma as the new foreign minister, replacing Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
Sharma, a former lieutenant general in the Nepal Army, brings extensive diplomatic and military experience.
The appointment comes less than three months before Nepal's general elections scheduled for 5 March 2026.
Nepal recently recalled 11 ambassadors from various countries, including China, the US, and Japan.
The Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, left the country on 21 December, amid controversies over a major airport project.
- Who
- Nepal's new foreign minister is Balananda Sharma, a former lieutenant general in the Nepal Army.
- What
- Nepal has appointed a new foreign minister, Balananda Sharma, amid diplomatic challenges and upcoming elections.
- When
- The appointment was made less than three months before Nepal's general elections on 5 March 2026.
- Where
- The events are taking place in Nepal, with diplomatic implications for various countries including China, the US, and others.
- Why
- The appointment aims to enhance Nepal's diplomatic capacity during a period of political transition and to address challenges in foreign relations.
- New Foreign Minister
- Balananda Sharma
- Previous Role
- Former Lieutenant General in the Nepal Army
- Cabinet Expansion
- Fifth expansion under PM Karki
- Upcoming Elections
- 5 March 2026
- Recalled Ambassadors
- 11 ambassadors from various countries
- Chinese Ambassador's Departure
- 21 December 2023
- US Ambassador's Departure
- January 2026
- Pokhara Airport Controversy
- $74 million cost inflation
