Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba sought US assistance for release of Bipin Joshi held captive by Hamas during her meeting with Ricky Gill, Special Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs and Senior Director for South and Central Asian Affairs at the National Security Council, in New Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 10th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2025, organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, India.

The discussion covered various topics, including strengthening Nepal-US relations, which are based on shared democratic and human rights values. Deuba expressed confidence that cooperation between the two countries would continue to grow in the coming years.

The foreign minister recalled her previous appeals to the US government for Joshi’s freedom, noting that Nepal has also sought support from Israel, Qatar, Egypt, and other nations. She expressed her hope for US assistance in securing Joshi’s release.

Joshi was among those kidnapped during the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which led to the deaths of more than a thousand people, including 10 Nepalese citizens.

Since then, the Government of Nepal has been engaged in diplomatic efforts to secure Joshi’s release. Foreign Minister Deuba has consistently raised the issue at national and regional forums, including the United Nations, and through bilateral meetings aimed at ensuring Joshi’s safe return.