Junga Bahadur Chauhan, the nominee for Nepal’s ambassador to the Russian Federation, has laid out a comprehensive plan to bolster the relationship between Nepal and Russia. During a parliamentary hearing, Chauhan detailed his strategy, focusing on key areas such as enhancing investment opportunities, boosting tourism, deepening diplomatic ties, and addressing the concerns of Nepali citizens enlisted in the Russian military.
Chauhan underscored the importance of moving beyond formal diplomatic relations, advocating for increased collaboration in sectors like energy, agriculture, tourism, and sports. He highlighted Russia’s interest in these areas and expressed confidence in his ability to attract significant Russian investment to Nepal.
Chauhan also discussed the potential for Russian investment in Nepal’s infrastructure, particularly in roads, energy, and industry, which he believes could significantly contribute to Nepal’s development. Moreover, he pointed out the growing interest among Russian citizens in adventure tourism, positioning Nepal as an ideal destination to tap into this market.
In the realm of education, Chauhan expressed concern over the declining number of Nepali students receiving scholarships to study in Russia. He committed to reversing this trend by working to increase educational opportunities for Nepali students in Russia.
A critical aspect of Chauhan’s agenda is addressing the issue of Nepali citizens who have joined the Russian military. He pledged to facilitate their safe return to Nepal and to implement measures to prevent further recruitment. Chauhan’s fluency in Russian is expected to play a crucial role in these efforts, particularly in coordinating the repatriation process.
Recent reports from the Nepalese Embassy in Russia indicate that 175 Nepali nationals have already been repatriated from the Russian military, while seven remain detained as prisoners of war in Ukraine, and 43 have died. Chauhan acknowledged the difficulties in tracking the exact number of Nepali citizens in the Russian military due to their enlistment through unofficial channels. He vowed to address these challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of Nepali nationals abroad.
Chauhan’s ambitious agenda reflects his commitment to strengthening Nepal’s ties with Russia and addressing the needs of Nepali citizens, both at home and abroad.
