Nepal has requested Qatar to assist in securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali youth held captive by Hamas since October 2023.

During a courtesy meeting in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba requested Qatari Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Sultan bin Saad bin Sultan Al Muraikhi to help mediate Joshi’s release. The two met on the sidelines of the Eighth Indian Ocean Conference, discussing Nepal-Qatar relations, bilateral interests, and cooperation in education and skilled workforce development.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Deuba acknowledged Qatar’s mediation role in peace talks between Israel and Hamas and urged the country to take special initiatives for Joshi’s release.

This is not the first time Nepal has reached out to Qatar for assistance. Earlier, Deuba held a phone conversation with Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi, making a similar appeal. Al-Khulaifi has been actively involved as a mediator in the ongoing peace efforts.

Nepal has pursued diplomatic channels to secure Joshi’s release. Minister Deuba has raised the issue at the United Nations, regional forums, and bilateral meetings, calling for international support.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched an attack on Israeli territory, killing over 1,000 people, including 10 Nepalis. Several individuals, including Joshi, were taken hostage.

With ongoing diplomatic efforts, Nepal continues to push for Joshi’s name to be included in any upcoming release negotiations.