FOREIGN POLICY OF NEPAL
India's FTAs to open new export opportunities as country eyes $1 trillion milestone: IIFT VC
India's trade deficit is likely to persist as long as the country remains dependent on oil imports, although rising exports of value-added petroleum products are helping narrow the gap, K. Rangarajan, Vice-Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), said on Friday.
Sony’s Gaurav Banerjee dismisses concerns over foreign investment in India’s media sector
Citing the presence of YouTube, Netflix and Amazon, Banerjee said global media companies recognise India’s long-term growth potential and continue to invest billions of dollars in the market.
US launches 'largest denaturalisation effort,' targets 40 including Indian-origin man
The US Justice Department has initiated a significant denaturalisation effort targeting 40 individuals, including citizens of various countries. Allegations involve serious crimes such as espionage and voluntary manslaughter, among others. Some applicants are accused of misrepresenting information during their naturalisation process. Notable cases include those of Balwinder Singh and Jinchao Wei, facing various charges. This initiative reflects the department's commitment to uphold immigration laws and ensure lawful citizenship.
"Big week ahead": Trump administration signals major action on foreign worker visas
The US Labor Department could step up enforcement of foreign worker visa programmes, with Inspector General Anthony D’Esposito signalling a “big week ahead” without naming specific targets. The comments come amid broader Trump administration scrutiny of H-1B sponsors, including layoffs, labour-condition filings and the use of foreign workers in roles that could otherwise go to Americans.
India’s 30-year wait for a seat has a new twist and an old problem
European nations now support India's bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat. Prime Minister Modi stresses the urgent need for Security Council reform. Key questions involve seat allocation and regional claim resolution. The UN reform process has stalled without a negotiating text. India continues its campaign for elected terms while pursuing permanent membership.
An anonymous Connecticut family gave Americares $50 million to plug part of the aid gap
An anonymous family has gifted fifty million dollars to Americares, marking its largest donation ever. This significant contribution will fund healthcare access for one hundred million people globally. The organization also plans to bolster health centers within the United States. This private funding arrives after US government aid cuts impacted several projects. The donation signals continued trust in humanitarian efforts amidst shifting global priorities.
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As Trump takes center stage in Dallas, Republicans debate a future without him
Republicans gather in Dallas to rally support ahead of midterm elections. Discussions about the party's future and leadership are intensifying behind closed doors. Vice President JD Vance's speech may signal his 2028 presidential ambitions. The party faces debates over Trump's populist agenda and foreign policy. A disappointing election could accelerate jockeying for the party's next leader.

Nepal’s request for flood payout tests new climate-aid system
Nepal seeks climate compensation for flood damages from a new UN fund. The nation faces immense costs for recovery and rebuilding after recent catastrophic flooding. This fund, established to aid developing nations, is currently underfunded and untested. Nepal's leaders are urging concrete action from the international community for immediate support. The fund's limited resources and scheduled meetings pose significant challenges for rapid assistance.

Nepal floods could cost insurers over $130 million even before death, injury claims
Nepal’s devastating floods could trigger more than 20 billion Nepali rupees ($132.3 million) in commercial insurance losses, with hydropower projects expected to account for most claims. Eleven projects in the affected region suffered damage, while insurers warn the disaster could prompt tighter coverage, higher premiums and stricter underwriting for Himalayan infrastructure.

Nepal’s flood disaster is bigger than the climate blame game
Nepal seeks climate justice and compensation from industrial emitters for a recent disaster. Scientific analysis suggests the event was primarily a geological hazard, not solely climate change. The article highlights inadequate infrastructure and hazard assessments contributing to the disaster's impact. Nepal's naming of China, the US, and India as emitters faces geopolitical and economic considerations. India should offer support and aid to Nepal, acknowledging shared geographical risks.

Supreme Court declines interim stay on proposed CJP march on September 5 ahead of BRICS summit
The Supreme Court declined interim orders on petitions seeking to defer a proposed march. The court noted law and order issues and administrative policy regarding protest permissions. It stated that law enforcing agencies are responsible for maintaining peace and order. The court issued notices to the Centre and directed petitioners to supply copies.

Nepal faces secondary flash flood threat as debris forms dam: ICIMOD cryosphere specialist
Nepal faces secondary flash flood risks as debris forms a temporary dam. Over 470 people have died and nearly 1,000 are missing from recent floods. Researchers are investigating an ice-rock avalanche as the initial disaster cause. A similar event in Chamoli, India, saw a gradual lake breach without a major flood. Nepal has issued a new flood warning after water levels rose at the affected site.

"The scale of damage is so high, it's like a parlay, we cannot imagine": Former National Reconstruction Authority CEO on Nepal floods
Nepal grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis after devastating flash floods hit its northern districts. India has swiftly responded by dispatching substantial humanitarian aid and essential supplies. Experts highlight the immense scale of damage, exceeding previous disasters. Reconstruction efforts will require extensive financial and technical support from international partners. Regional collaboration is crucial for future disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies.

Foreign trade policy changes to boost rupee internationalisation, add flexibility for exporters: CII's Sanjay Budhia
New foreign trade policy amendments will ease exporter invoicing and payments in Indian rupees. This move promotes rupee internationalization and offers exporters greater flexibility and certainty. Indian industry welcomes the government's efforts to modernize the foreign trade framework. Rupee export proceeds will now qualify for foreign trade policy benefits.

Rules eased to help exporters receive payments in rupees
India has eased rules for rupee-based export payments, allowing exporters to invoice and receive payments in Indian currency or foreign currencies from non-ACU countries. Rupee export realisations will now qualify for trade-policy benefits and count towards export obligations, helping promote wider use of the rupee in international trade.

India amends Foreign Trade Policy for easier rupee invoicing and payments for exporters
The government has amended its Foreign Trade Policy to ease rupee invoicing for exporters. Eligible rupee receipts now qualify for export benefits and obligations, aligning with new regulations. This change applies to exports to all countries, with specific rules for ACU members. Rupee settlements may reduce costs and risks for Indian exporters. The amendment aims to support wider international use of the Indian rupee.

India eases rules for rupee export payments, seeks to widen trade settlement
India has eased export payment rules, allowing rupee settlements with non-Asian Clearing Union countries. This move aims to promote wider use of the local currency in international trade transactions. Eligible rupee export receipts will now qualify for trade-policy benefits and count towards exporter obligations. The changes align with recent Reserve Bank of India foreign-exchange rules permitting broader rupee usage.

Nepal PM Balendra Shah meets Indian Ambassador, emphasises deepening historic ties
Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah met Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava on Monday. He stressed the importance of deepening Nepal's historic relationship with India. The envoy conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Modi and expressed commitment. This meeting occurred despite Shah's prior policy of avoiding one-on-one foreign engagements. Shah also planned separate meetings with Chinese and US envoys.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Nepal on Sunday
Vikram Misri, India's Foreign Secretary, is set to visit Kathmandu on Sunday. The two-day official visit aims to strengthen Nepal-India partnership. Discussions will focus on connectivity and development cooperation. The visit also prepares for Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's upcoming trip to New Delhi next month. India prioritizes its relationship with Nepal under its Neighbourhood First policy.

Lawmakers raise concern over Chinese envoy's comments on Indo-Nepal ties; warned to be more careful
Lawmakers in Nepal have expressed concern over remarks made by the Chinese ambassador regarding trade between Nepal and India. Chairman of the committee in Nepal have called for an investigation into the ambassador's remarks and urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to caution the ambassador about commenting on sensitive issues.

China's ambassador slams India's Nepal Policy, calls it 'less than ideal'
China's ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, criticized India's Nepal policy, calling it "less than ideal." The ambassador highlighted Nepal's electricity trade deficit and its heavy reliance on agricultural imports from India. These comments come ahead of Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to China later this month.

India, Nepal agree to boost economic and development ties
India and Nepal agreed on Monday to further bolster their economic and development cooperation as Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra met his Nepalese counterpart Bharat Raj Paudyal and had a fruitful exchange on strengthening the comprehensive bilateral relations. Foreign Secretary Kwatra arrived here on a two-day official visit to hold talks with the country's top political leadership on the entire range of multifaceted cooperation between the two countries.

Foreign Secy Kwatra to embark on Nepal visit next week, hold wide-ranging talks with counterpart
The visit is in keeping with the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and the priority India attaches to its relations with Nepal under its 'Neighbourhood First' policy, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement on Friday.

All eyes on Prachanda’s India policy as Oli influences document on “retrieving territories from India”
Prachanda has said that his government’s foreign policy would be guided by Nepal’s national interest, but added that Nepal would seek balanced and friendly relations with all countries, including its two big neighbours – China and India. Prachanda is expected to visit India as his maiden trip abroad in this third stint as PM in keeping with the tradition of Nepal’s foreign policy.

Amid China, Taiwan tension, Nepal's foreign minister to visit China
The visit is taking place days after the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, issued a statement in Kathmandu over Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, calling it a serious violation of the one-China principle and hailing Nepal's commitment to one-China policy.

Despite a thaw in ties, Nepal may not drop Kalapani claim
In a sign that Nepal is unlikely to back down on the Kalapani dispute, despite the renewed engagement with India, its foreign ministry has listed publication of its new map among the highlights of Nepal’s foreign policy this year.

India’s Foreign Secretary meets envoys of Bangladesh, Nepal & Maldives to push regional bonds
Foreign Secretary expressed his satisfaction at the qualitative transformation in the bilateral ties in recent years, and underlined the highest importance that India accords to Bangladesh, in keeping with its neighborhood first policy.

Nepal to be of prime importance in Narendra Modi's foreign policy: Tarun Vijay
"Nepal is a an important strategic partner of India. Nepal is to have topmost priority in Narendra Modi's foreign policy," Vijay told reporters.
UPA turns Left and gets stuck, says BJP
The BJP on Monday adopted a hardline stance, and chose not to mince its words while censuring the UPA government for its “failures in matters of foreign policy and national security”.
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