Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal Represents New Political Reality of Nepal in India

New Delhi. Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, on an official invitation to visit India, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has stated that he represents a completely new political reality of Nepal.  

Speaking exclusively to journalists at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi on the last day of his visit, he mentioned that the rise of the new generation of leadership is due to the extraordinary and historic mandate given by the citizens, and he stated that the core essence of this is good governance without compromise, meritocracy, and direct accountability.

He clarified that the biggest strength of the new generation of leadership is staying away from the mistakes and confusions of the past. Foreign Minister Khanal said, 'As we are the new generation of leadership, we have a unique capital. That is – we are completely free from any burden of the past.' He signaled his intention to build future-oriented relationships using this unique capital.

On the occasion, he praised the role of the media and expressed his views on Nepal's new political reality and various dimensions of the relationship between the two countries. Welcoming the journalists, Foreign Minister Khanal said that the media plays an indispensable role in a vibrant and pluralistic democracy like Nepal.  

He stated that journalists are not just spectators of bilateral journeys but important pillars of democratic values. Khanal mentioned that the media is a strong medium for the people of both countries to understand each other and a major custodian in building the narrative of a shared future.

Recalling the geographical and cultural proximity from Kathmandu to New Delhi, he clarified that Nepal and India are not just neighbors connected by political lines drawn on maps. He argued that both countries are fellow travelers bound by the magnificent Himalayas to the vast fertile plains of the Ganges basin, rivers, mountains, and ancient knowledge.  

He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Indian government for the immense goodwill, warm hospitality, and spirit of cooperation shown to him and his delegation since arriving in New Delhi.