Nepal: Preparation to close its embassies in ten countries, Consulates will be built in India

Kathmandu. The Government of Nepal has initiated the process of closing or restructuring its embassies in ten countries as part of diplomatic and administrative reforms. For this, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is taking opinions and suggestions from diplomats and experts regarding the comprehensive restructuring of the ministry.

Foreign Minister Khanal said that the government is having internal discussions regarding closing some embassies and opening new ones as per the need. Currently, a total of 44 foreign missions including 34 embassies and 10 Consulates General operate in Nepal.

The government believes that many unnecessary embassies were opened in the past for the purpose of political engagement and appointing activists as ambassadors. For this reason, preparations are being made to close about 10 embassies.

The Foreign Minister said that instructions have been given to prepare a blueprint for the reorganization of the ministry. It also includes a review of Nepalese missions abroad. “Around 8 to 10 embassies are being planned to be closed.”

According to the Foreign Ministry, closure of Nepali embassies in Denmark, Finland, Portugal, South Africa, Austria, Spain, Myanmar, Egypt, Canada and Brazil is being considered.

He says that work related to these countries can be conducted through other embassies nearby. Similarly, the functioning of Nepali embassies in Switzerland, France, Britain and America can be made more effective by increasing the number of employees. This will reduce the government’s expenses.

The Ministry of External Affairs believes that due to the expansion of digital and online services, many Consulates General are no longer required. According to him, Nepal needs to have embassies in only 20 to 22 countries.

In the context of India, Foreign Minister Khanal said that despite having Nepali Embassy in New Delhi and Consulate General in Kolkata, there is a need for Consulate General in Mumbai and Bengaluru also.

According to him, a large number of Nepali citizens live in these cities and both the cities are also major business centres, where the Consul General can play an important role in promoting trade and investment.