INDIA’S NEW ENVOY TO NEPAL ARRIVES IN KATHMANDU
The new Indian ambassador to Nepal, Manjeev Singh Puri, arrived in Kath mandu on Saturday to replace Ranjit Rae, who completed his tenure last month.
Puri is the 24th Indian envoy to Nepal. Rae completed his three-and-a-half year term on February 28.
The new envoy is scheduled to present his credentials to President Bidhya Devi Bhan dari on Sunday.
The position of the Indian ambassador in Nepal is consid ered a “prize posting” because o the close relationship between the two countries and New Delh usually chooses one of its most senior diplomats for the post.
The respect and regard the Indian ambassador receives in Kathmandu is rare for any dip lomatic assignment.
As a close neighbour of Nepa and due to the open border between the countries, India keeps a close watch on political cultural, economic and securi ty-related developments in Kathmandu and this makes the job of the Indian envoy all the more challenging.
India’s role as a stakeholder in Nepal’s peace process is also crucial at a time when the politi cal situation is unpredictable Nepal is preparing to hold three elections in the next 10 months against the backdrop of a stand off between the government and Madhesi parties.
Before Puri was appointed as ambassador to Nepal, he was India’s envoy to Belgium.