Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Thursday defended the government’s recent decision to recall Nepal’s ambassadors from several countries.

Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives, Dahal said that the envoys were recalled as per the constitution adding that the government was making efforts to adopt the policy to evaluate ambassadors as per objective, in order to strengthen the country’s diplomatic relations.

“The government is committed to mobilising diplomatic missions and envoys in the best interest of the nation,” he said. “As per the Ambassador Appointment Directive, 2015, the envoys can be recalled before the completion of their terms if deemed necessary.”

Only those who have been appointed as ambassadors under political quota are recalled immediately after the change in the coalition, the prime minister added, “instead this time around, the envoys remained in their posts for more than three months after the change in the ruling coalition.”

Dahal said that this was proof of how the government was serious about the issue.

Government picks some ambassadors under political quota based on recommendations from coalition partners while it selects some career diplomats from within the ministry of foreign affairs for other countries.

Talking about his recent India visit, Prime Minister Dahal also said that discussion regarding the effective implementation of the agreements reached between the two South Asian neighbours was held.

During a meeting with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, strengthening Nepal-India relations, implementation of past agreements, and bilateral discussions—including border disputes, among other matters were discussed, according to him.

“Serious discussion about the implementation of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, Arun Hydropower Project and cooperation in the agricultural sector was held,” Dahal said.

Dahal visited New Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Modi on June 9.