Nepal’s proposed ambassadors to India, China, the US, and the UK faced tough questions during parliamentary hearings on Monday where lawmakers demanded concrete plans to tackle longstanding bilateral issues. 

Nischal Nath Pandey, nominated as ambassador to India, and Kalyan Raj Sharma, nominated to China, faced questions about political privilege, border disputes, trade barriers, infrastructure, and the protection of Nepali citizens abroad.

Chiran Jung Thapa, nominated to the US, and General Gaurav Sumsher Rana, nominated to the UK, also presented their action plans and commitments to the Parliamentary Hearing Special Committee. 

Pandey, who previously headed the Kathmandu-based Centre for South Asian Studies, defended his qualifications after lawmaker Rajiv Khatri of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) questioned whether his nomination was influenced by his father Ramesh Nath Pandey’s political background. His father has served as a minister five times.

Rejecting the label of a “nepo baby”, Pandey argued that his academic credentials, PhD, and professional experience should be assessed independently of his family background.

“If a person has no qualifications of their own, has not studied, does not work hard, and simply lives off their family’s wealth, that is what is meant by a nepo baby,” Pandey said.

He argued that children of former ministers or prime ministers should not automatically be branded as beneficiaries of nepotism merely because of their parents’ political positions. He cited international political figures, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, George W Bush, and former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, to support his argument.

Khatri also referred to Pandey’s earlier description of Nepal’s diplomatic machinery as “rusty” and asked how he intended to make it more effective. He further questioned whether Pandey’s long association with the same think tank could pose a conflict of interest.

Another RSP lawmaker, Madhu Kumar Chaulagain, asked Pandey how he would help exchange Indian Rs500 and Rs1,000 notes stranded in Nepal following India’s 2016 demonetisation.

Chaulagain also sought concrete plans to address recurring floods in the Tarai linked to Indian infrastructure near the border, India’s reluctance to purchase electricity from hydropower projects involving Chinese investment, delays in the Pancheshwar project, progress on the Postal Highway, and the protection of Nepali workers employed in India’s informal sector.

RSP lawmaker Lekh Jung Thapa asked how Nepal could turn its hydropower potential into economic and diplomatic gains, while raising concerns about road connectivity near the Sunauli border. RSP lawmaker Punam Kumari Agrawal sought a strategy to resolve the dispute over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, and asked how Nepal would respond to diplomatic pressure contrary to its national interests.

Agrawal also asked what Pandey would do to secure access to Indian airspace, which is needed for the full operation of Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

In response to the concerns, Pandey pledged to keep bilateral mechanisms active and focused on delivering results, backed by a dedicated calendar of Nepal-India engagements. He also proposed periodic reviews by the two countries’ heads of government to assess progress, remove obstacles, and ensure that bilateral commitments were implemented.

If endorsed by the parliamentary hearing committee, Pandey’s nomination will be forwarded to New Delhi for the Indian government’s approval.

Likewise, Sharma, Nepal’s proposed ambassador to China, outlined an extensive set of commitments, pledging to safeguard Nepal’s interests, maintain political trust, and deliver tangible benefits to Nepali citizens.

He promised regular engagement with China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Communist Party, the State Council, the National People’s Congress, provincial governments, universities and think tanks. He also stressed the need for a capable diplomatic mission, sustained engagement to address misunderstandings, and systematic follow-up to ensure that bilateral commitments produced results.

Sharma identified several infrastructure projects as priorities, including the Rasuwagadhi bridge, Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road, Araniko Highway, Kathmandu Ring Road, Kerung-Rasuwagadhi-Chilime transmission line, and the Kimathanka road.

He also pledged to monitor progress on exports of processed buffalo meat, citrus fruits, fodder and silage, as well as the development of industrial parks and special economic zones.

To promote Nepali exports, Sharma proposed a strategy built around the slogan “Made in Nepal, branded in Nepal and sold in China”.

Connectivity and transit cooperation featured prominently on his agenda. Sharma pledged to work towards the regular operation and improvement of 14 traditional border trade points and maximise the use of four seaports and three inland dry ports available to Nepal under the Nepal-China Transit Transport Agreement.

He also said he would closely monitor prospects for extending the railway to Kerung and strengthen cooperation with Lhasa and border communities on trade and transit. 

Nepal’s Consulate General in Lhasa, he added, should serve as a focal point for border operations, the Kailash Manasarovar pilgrimage, trade, and the protection of Nepali citizens’ interests.

Lawmakers, however, raised concerns beyond infrastructure and trade.

CPN-UML deputy parliamentary party leader Padma Aryal asked how Sharma would address cases in which Nepali women were taken to China under the pretext of marriage and subsequently left stranded there. She also sought plans to improve the operation of Pokhara and Bhairahawa international airports and ensure the effective functioning of border points with China.

RSP lawmaker Chaulagain questioned whether Sharma’s expertise in Chinese studies and economics would translate into a clear commitment to Nepal’s interests.

“Will your priority be China’s wishes or Nepal’s interests?” he asked.

Sharma pledged to represent Nepal’s interests faithfully while maintaining trust between the two governments.

Lawmakers pressed both nominees to translate their diplomatic commitments into measurable outcomes. 

Thapa, Nepal’s ambassadorial nominee to the US, pledged to strengthen bilateral relations, raise Nepal’s international profile, and safeguard the country’s national interests. He said he would work to secure Nepal’s participation in important events in Washington, D.C., and use his diplomatic network to facilitate high-level visits between the two countries. 

Improving consular services for Nepali citizens living in the US would also be a priority, he said. To address growing demand, Thapa proposed measures including opening consular services on public holidays when necessary. 

On security cooperation, Thapa acknowledged US assistance and said it should be used in line with Nepal’s needs and priorities. He pledged to promote technology transfer, particularly in technology and cybersecurity, and improve the effectiveness of US assistance in areas such as peacekeeping and disaster management, in accordance with government directives.   

Meanwhile, Rana, a former chief of the Nepali Army and proposed ambassador to the UK, said economic diplomacy would be a central priority during his tenure. 

He said Nepal should make better use of its longstanding relationship with the UK to attract investment, boost exports, and expand tourism. 

Beyond economic diplomacy, Rana pledged to take special initiatives to address the concerns and grievances of Gurkha soldiers serving in the United Kingdom. 

The proposed ambassadors’ commitments come as Nepal seeks to strengthen its diplomatic engagement, improve services for Nepali citizens abroad, and expand international cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to security and cultural heritage. 

Their appointments remain subject to the parliamentary hearing process.