Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, held pivotal bilateral meetings with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi on the sidelines of the 10th Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, underscoring Nepal’s proactive diplomacy and commitment to deepening regional and global partnerships.
In a highly anticipated engagement, Dr. Rana met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, marking their first high-level interaction since her appointment. The meeting, described by Rana as “fruitful,” focused on reviewing multifaceted bilateral relations and identifying opportunities to strengthen cooperation across sectors.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Rana shared: “A highly fruitful interaction with H.E. @DrSJaishankar on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue. We took stock of bilateral ties, discussed ongoing engagements across sectors, and identified avenues for enhancing people-to-people and diplomatic exchanges. I expressed appreciation for India’s Neighborhood First Policy and conveyed Nepal’s continued prioritization of relations with India.”
Key discussions reportedly centered on accelerating cross-border connectivity projects, expanding trade and energy partnerships, and addressing shared challenges such as climate change and regional security. Dr. Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to its “Neighborhood First” policy, emphasizing collaboration in infrastructure, healthcare, and education.
Later in the day, Dr. Rana met with Moldovan Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mihai Popșoi, marking the first high-level dialogue between Nepal and Moldova in recent years. The two leaders explored avenues to expand bilateral cooperation, with a focus on trade, investment, tourism, and hydropower.
Dr. Rana highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, citing melting glaciers, erratic monsoons, and biodiversity loss as critical challenges. She urged joint efforts to secure international climate financing and technology transfers, particularly for mountainous nations.
The Nepali Foreign Minister also briefed Popșoi on Nepal’s impending transition from a Least Developed Country (LDC) to a developing nation by 2026, seeking Moldova’s support in international forums for a smooth graduation. Additionally, she requested Moldova’s endorsement for Nepal’s bid to secure a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the 2030–2031 term.
In a forward-looking gesture, the leaders discussed potential joint ventures in hydropower and tourism, leveraging Nepal’s natural resources and Moldova’s agricultural expertise. Dr. Rana expressed optimism about Popșoi’s scheduled visit to Kathmandu later this week, stating it would “open new pathways for cooperation.”
The 10th edition of India’s flagship Raisina Dialogue, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs, provided a strategic backdrop for these engagements. The conference, themed around “Conflict, Contest, and Cooperation” this year, brought together global leaders to address pressing geopolitical and economic challenges.
Nepal’s participation reflects its intent to amplify its voice on issues such as climate justice, sustainable development, and multilateralism. Dr. Rana’s dual engagements with India and Moldova signal Kathmandu’s balanced approach to nurturing ties with traditional allies while forging new partnerships in Europe.
