'Old baggage refers to freeing diplomacy from internal divide'

Kathmandu, Sept. 15

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that the government is fully committed to conducting Nepal’s foreign policy with the country’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, national security and long-term national interests at its core.

Addressing the House of Representatives (HoR) on Tuesday, he said his remark during his visit to India that the 'current government has no old baggage' referred to freeing foreign policy and diplomacy from the internal political polarisation and narrow political weaponisation seen in the past. He stressed that the remark was not directed at Nepal’s history, national legacy, sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, national interests or the preservation of historical state documents.

Lawmaker Sita Thapaliya had asked what the remark meant, which decisions of previous governments constituted 'baggage', whether the decision to incorporate the map covering Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura into the constitution was considered 'old baggage', and what mistakes had been made in previous governments’ foreign policies.

In response, FM Khanal said his 'old baggage' remark during the India visit needed to be understood in its proper context and diplomatic sense. He said the term 'baggage' naturally carries a negative connotation, referring to burdens or obstacles from the past.

"My remark was intended to convey that the government wanted to move away from internal political polarisation and the parochial political weaponisation of foreign policy and diplomacy," he reiterated.

He said it would be an exaggeration to interpret the remark as being contrary to the continuity of the state and government or the state’s legacy.

According to him, the 'baggage' of the past, referred to the improper practice of using relations with neighbouring countries as instruments for domestic political gain or loss, which the current government was determined to abandon.

FM Khanal further said that the remark was not directed at Nepal’s glorious history, national legacy, sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence, protection of national interests or preservation of historical state documents.

"Nepal’s political map incorporating Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, and the constitutional amendment endorsing the map, represented a unanimous decision of parliament and a shared national commitment of the Nepali people," he maintained.

He said the current government wanted to give Nepal’s relations with neighbouring and friendly countries a transformative direction based on mutual equality, respect, trust and economic partnership, without being constrained by prejudice, narrowness or unnecessary distrust.

“Achieving the country’s economic prosperity through clear, mature and results-oriented diplomacy while placing national interests above all else is the clear vision of the current government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Khanal said.

He said Nepal had always accorded high priority to relations with its neighbours and friendly countries, adding that high-level visits played an important role in strengthening bilateral ties. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 September 2026.    

Haier announces Dashain scheme

Kathmandu, Sept. 15

Home appliance manufacturer Haier Smart Home has launched its Dashain campaign ‘Khusi Ko Pal with Haier, Sajau Harek Ghar’, targeting the upcoming festive season in Nepal.

Neoteric Nepal, official distributor of Haier in Nepal, has introduced the campaign for customers purchasing electrical and home appliances during the Dashain festive season. Under the scheme, customers purchasing Haier refrigerators, washing machines, chest freezers and air conditioners can receive various gifts, cashback offers and free installation benefits.

As part of the campaign, customers purchasing single-door refrigerators of 190 litres or above will receive a Maharaja Dry Iron worth Rs. 1,490, free of cost.

Similarly, customers purchasing any model of Haier double-door refrigerators will receive a Maharaja Mixer Grinder, worth Rs. 5,490, as a ‘Sure Shot Gift’. Customers purchasing any model of side-by-side refrigerators will receive a Maharaja Food Processor, worth Rs. 16,990, as a complimentary gift.

For washing machines, customers purchasing fully automatic front-load models will receive an infrared cooktop, worth Rs. 7,000, as a gift. Likewise, customers purchasing any model of Haier inverter air conditioner will receive free installation worth Rs. 3,000, according to the company.

The company said that customers can also purchase Haier appliances under a zero-per cent interest EMI facility during the campaign.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 September 2026.    

Beni Khola being listed on stock market

Kathmandu, Sept. 15

Beni Khola Hydropower Project, an investment of Brahmand Investment Group (BIG) is set to be listed on the stock market. The hydropower project’s initial public offering (IPO) received applications 30.55 times higher than the shares on offer. A total of 2,361,124 applicants applied for the shares, of whom 86,320 were allotted shares.

The 19.8MW project posted losses in each of its first two financial years of operation. However, it improved its financial performance in the last financial year, recording a net profit of Rs. 155.6 million.

BIG Chief Executive Officer Chewan Rai said it was a positive development that members of the general public had been given an opportunity to become direct shareholders in a project generating electricity.

BIG is an investment company established from the collective savings of Nepalis serving in the British Army and Singapore Police.

The group has also invested in the 3.2 MW Gelun Khola Hydropower Project in Sindhupalchowk.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 September 2026.    

Nepal, Micronesia establish ties

Kathmandu, Sept. 15

Nepal and Micronesia formally established diplomatic relations on Monday.

Permanent Representatives to the United Nations of Nepal and Micronesia, Lok Bahadur Thapa and Jim S. Lipwe, signed a joint communiqué establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) informed in a statement.

During a bilateral meeting held on the occasion, the two ambassadors discussed matters of mutual interest and expressed their commitment to further strengthening bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

"They also emphasised the importance of enhancing cooperation at multilateral forums, including the United Nations," read the statement.

With the establishment of diplomatic relations with Micronesia, the number of countries with which Nepal maintains diplomatic relations has reached 185.

The MoFA said that Nepal expects to further strengthen its friendly relations with Micronesia and advance cooperation on shared priorities and matters of common interest at the United Nations and other multilateral forums.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 16 September 2026.    

Nuwakot suffers severest damage

8,317 families in 5 districts hit hard

Kathmandu, Sept. 13

The devastating Bhotekoshi flood on August 26 affected 17,082 people from 4,418 households in Nuwakot, making it the most affected district in terms of damage inflicted to the social sector.

The torrents affected a total of 8,317 families in five districts – Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha and Chitwan – and impacted 32,963 individuals, according to the Rapid Disaster Need Assessment (RDNA) report prepared by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, National Statistics Office and concerned ministries of the government.

About 7,570 private buildings were affected by the flood.

The report said that the distribution of damage was concentrated in Nuwakot, which accounts for 52.5 per cent of estimated affected buildings, followed by Rasuwa at 23.5 per cent and Dhading at 19.2 per cent.

At the local level, Bidur Municipality in Nuwakot recorded the largest count, with 3,026 buildings, followed by Gosaikunda Rural Municipality in Rasuwa with 1,043 and Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality in Dhading with 1,037. Together, these three local levels account for 67.5 per cent of the assessed building count.

 

Flood affected 15 local levels, 52 wards

The disaster affected buildings in 52 wards across 15 local levels, estimated the study. The largest building impacts were recorded in Kispang Ward-5 (696 buildings), Gosaikunda Ward-2 (571), and Benighat Rorang Ward-3 (553).

"Together, these wards accounted for 1,820 buildings, or 24.0 per cent of the total. In Bidur, the count is distributed across 11 wards, indicating that recovery requirements extend across multiple locations within the municipality," read the report.

However, as of September 10, only a small portion of the affected people – 3,685 individuals – are staying at 37 temporary holding centres in Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. There are 2,615 people in 25 holding centres in Nuwakot, 775 in nine holding centres in Rasuwa and 295 in three holding centres in Dhading. But by Sunday, the number of people at the holding centres has gone down to 2,712.

Many people have sought shelters in the houses of their relatives in safer areas and in the Kathmandu Valley while those whose houses remain at safer locations have returned to them. Still 4,089 individuals are unaccounted for.

The RDNA said that the data about people staying with their relatives, returning homes and requiring further accommodation support is not available.

The primary assessment also did not make building- and site-level assessments to make inferences of the requirements for repair, reconstruction and possible relocation.

In monetary terms, the damage to buildings is estimated at USD 421.74 million and USD 632.61 million in recovery needs. The remaining needs cover public buildings and facilities, education, health, and cultural heritage.

The damage to the housing sector ranks third after energy (US$ 997.13 million) and economic activities and livelihoods (US$ 965.13 million).

Likewise, the RDNA recorded damage to 18 schools and seven health facilities, alongside affected water systems, electricity infrastructure, telecommunications, roads and bridges.

The floods damaged estimated 4,800 infrastructure including health facilities, water systems, electricity infrastructure, and telecommunications. Household recovery consequently depends on the restoration of connected services and access, as well as housing and productive assets.

 

Disaster risk reduction measures inflate cost

According to the RDNA, total disaster effects are estimated at US$ 2,695.33 million, comprising US$ 1,812.01 million in physical damage and US$ 883.32 million in economic losses. These amounts are equivalent to Rs. 408.28 billion, including Rs. 274.48 billion in damage and Rs. 133.80 billion in losses.

It estimated the total recovery and reconstruction needs at US$ 4,774.99 million (Rs. 723.31 billion. Early recovery needs for the first six months are estimated at US$ 57.66 million, while recovery and reconstruction need beyond six months are estimated at US$ 4,717.32 million.

"Recovery needs exceed the assessed value of damage and losses because they include reconstruction, disaster risk reduction and resilience measures that extend beyond the replacement of damaged assets," said the report, adding that the largest differences arise in the energy and disaster risk reduction estimates, which remain subject to detailed engineering, financing and implementation review.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 September 2026.    

NRNA distributes relief to flood victims in Rasuwa

Kathmandu, Sept. 13

The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has distributed relief materials to families displaced by the devastating Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa.

It informed in a statement that a total of 150 families displaced from Syafrubesi and currently taking shelter in Thulo Syafru of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-5 were supplied with food items - including rice, lentils, salt, chilli and cooking oil - along with solar lights and health supplies received from HAPSA Nepal, an NGO working in public health sector.

"The relief materials were provided based on needs identified in coordination with the ward chairperson and in response to requests from the affected families, who were displaced from their homes by the floods," the NRNA said.

NRNA Vice-President Rojina Pradhan Rai, Woman Vice-President Radhika Gurung (Tika), General Secretary Dr. Chiranjivi Khadka, Joint Treasurer Abdul Basid, Second Generation Coordinator and Miss Nepal 2026 Dipmala Dhakal, volunteers and local representatives participated in the relief distribution.

Likewise, the NRNA coordinated for health check-ups, medical consultations, treatment, free medicines and psychological counselling for more than 50 flood-affected people taking shelter at a community centre in Bidur Municipality-2, Nuwakot.

According to the Association, families staying at the shelter were also provided with water purification drops, sanitiser, sanitary pads, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene supplies. Sports equipment, including carrom boards, badminton equipment, balls and bats, were also distributed to children.

The health camp was conducted under the leadership of NRNA ICC member Dr. Sanjiv Sapkota with the support from senior paediatrician Prof. Dr. Shiva Shrestha and psychosocial counsellors Ranu Sapkota and Prasiddha Khatiwada, among others.

According to the NRNA, its relief team in Rasuwa is preparing to visit families affected by the floods in the Syafrubesi area to assess their current situation and needs.

"The team will hold discussions with local representatives and affected families tomorrow to assess their immediate and long-term needs. The NRNA relief team aims not only to provide immediate relief to affected families but also to identify areas requiring support for their long-term rehabilitation and reconstruction," it said.

 

Chamber extends relief support to Rasuwa flood victims

 

Similarly, the Nepal Chamber of Commerce has provided various relief and essential materials for affected and needy families in Rasuwa.

The relief materials include biscuits, sanitary pads, blankets, bed sheets, shoes for young children and other essential supplies.

Chamber Executive Committee Member and CEO of Arkash Group Rajul Shrestha handed over the relief materials collected at the Chamber, along with products from the group to representatives of the Lumbini Social Service Foundation and Lumbini Youth Club.

“The relief materials have been sent to Rasuwa through the Lumbini Social Service Foundation and Lumbini Youth Club for distribution and coordination with arrangements to deliver the materials to affected and needy families in coordination with local organizations and youth,” Shrestha said.

The relief materials sent to Rasuwa via Trishuli will be delivered to affected families based on their needs in coordination with relevant local organizations and volunteers. Shrestha said that the assistance was sent by prioritizing immediately required basic materials to the citizens in the affected areas.

Published in The Rising Nepal on 14 September 2026.    

FM Khanal stresses proactive ecological partnership between Nepal and China

Kathmandu, Sept. 12

Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that the disaster of August 26 was obviously a severe trial, but it has not broken the national resolve.

"With clear vision, mutual trust, and steered purpose, we will restore dangerous routes, reinforce fragile sites, and build resilient communities," he said while speaking at a dialogue on 'Nepal-China relations: Expanding horizons of cooperation' organised by Foundation for Peace, Development and Socialism (FPDS) in Kathmandu on Saturday.

He said that recent tragedy brought home an undeniable truth that between Nepal and China, geography does not merely mark a political boundary, it binds their shared destiny.

Stating that nature does not recognise administrative divisions, FM Khanal said when glacial lakes swell, when weather patterns shift erratically, or when fragile mountain slopes give way, the hazard is trans-boundary.

"Therefore, our bilateral cooperation must evolve from conventional border management into a proactive ecological partnership. Environmental resilience and climate security must become the bedrock of our 21st-century statecraft," said FM Khanal, while adding that the Himalayas must not be remembered as a barrier that separates us, but embraced as a shared sanctuary that demands collective stewardship.

According to him, through real-time satellite data-sharing, joint meteorological forecasting, and coordinated early-warning networks against glacial lake outburst floods, ecological shocks could be benefitted before they claim lives.

He also said that as Nepal champions mountain diplomacy on the world stage—advocating for climate finance, technology access, and loss and damage mechanisms—its partnership with China must model how two mountain neighbours protect their shared roof of the world.

Likewise, FM Khanal said that by establishing joint innovation laboratories, institutional incubation centres, and structured technology transfer, Nepal and China can co-develop AI-driven solutions tailored for mountain economies—optimising precision agriculture, digitizing public service delivery, and automating disaster risk responses.

Unsustainable trade deficit

Talking about the bilateral trade between the two countries, Foreign Minister Khanal said that they must address trade imbalances. "While China is our largest source of Foreign Direct Investment and our second-largest trading partner, a bilateral trade deficit exceeding 15 billion Yuan is structurally unsustainable," he said, and added, "Addressing this gap requires practical trade statecraft. We seek technical cooperation for quarantine harmonization, including the prompt establishment of a certified Multi-Functional Laboratory in Nepal."

This will enable high-value Nepali agro-products, specialty coffee, tea, and medicinal herbs to genuinely benefit from duty-free access to China’s vast consumer market. FM Khanal also invited high-grade Chinese investment into clean manufacturing, ecotourism, and agro-processing.

He said that the two countries are committed to translating the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity Network from a visionary blueprint into tangible arteries on the ground.

However, this demands disaster-resilient upgrades across the northern gateways including modernising critical customs checkpoints, operationalising high-altitude border ports into fully functional, year-round commercial hubs, and rebuilding severed highways, bridges, and cross-border corridors with climate-hardened engineering capable of withstanding ecological shocks.

 

'Tackling climate challenge, a common goal'

Speaking on the occasion, Ambassador of China to Nepal Zhang Maoming said that the common goal of Nepal and China is to tackle climate related challenges created by global warming as both the countries are severely affected by it.

He said the recent catastrophic floods and mudslides in the Bhotekoshi river is another painful reminder that no country can face climate change crisis alone.

He highlighted the severe economic losses including the damage of homes, livelihood, industries and hydropower projects by the torrents, and said, "We must stand together and jointly cope with these challenges. China is ready to work with Nepal in information sharing in hydrological and meteorological problems."

According to Zhang, political parties and governments with effective vertical coordination and robust implementation capacity can exercise strong overall planning, coordination, organisation and mobilisation in the face of major disasters, and effectively safeguard people's lives and property.

He suggested maintaining close high-level interaction, advance high-quality belt and road cooperation and practical cooperation, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges between Nepal and China.

 

Khanal suggests stronger digital connectivity

Likewise, former prime minister Jhala Nath Khanal said that stronger physical and digital connectivity could expand trade, tourism, investment and people-to-people relations between Nepal and China.

Discussing changes in the international system, he referred to China’s rise, the growing relevance of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, trends towards de-dollarisation and the gradual shift in global influence towards the Global South. He argued that Nepal should carefully assess these transformations and position itself strategically within the emerging global order while protecting its sovereignty and national interests.

According to Khanal, Nepal and China should exhibit greater seriousness in advancing the agreed projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), particularly those relating to the Trans-Himalayan Multidimensional Connectivity.

Expressing appreciation for China’s people-centred approach to development, he encouraged Nepali youths to develop their capacities in technology, entrepreneurship and digital innovation. "Cooperation in science, technology and innovation could become an important new pillar of Nepal–China relations," he said. 

Published in The Rising Nepal on 13 September 2026.