Talks ongoing to repatriate Nepalis serving in Russian Army: DPM Shrestha

June 26, Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha announced ongoing talks to repatriate Nepalis serving in the Russian Army.

Upon returning from the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) in Iran on Tuesday, DPM Shrestha revealed that regular discussions were being held with Russia’s Ministry of External Affairs and other bodies to facilitate their return.

During the ACD, DPM Shrestha raised the issue with Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko and other officials, confirming that some Nepalis in Russia were in difficult situations.

He said efforts were underway to determine the total number of Nepalis serving in the Russian Army and their status.

Foreign Affairs Shrestha also urged Russia to repatriate the bodies of deceased Nepalis and provide compensation to their families. Additionally, he called for healthcare and compensation for injured Nepalis. The Russian government has agreed in principle to repatriate Nepalis, but the details were yet to be finalized.

DP< Shrestha noted that six Nepalis were currently under Ukrainian forces’ control, with requests made to the Ukrainian government for their release.

In other developments, DPM Shrestha announced that Kuwait will open its embassy in Nepal this year and increase the number of Nepali migrant workers from 100,000 to 300,000.

The ACD meeting adopted the Tehran Declaration and documents to strengthen cooperation and the ACD Secretariat.

 DPM Shrestha held bilateral meetings with various foreign ministers, including those from Iran, Myanmar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, to discuss mutual interests and regional issues. He also attended an interaction with the Nepali diaspora in Tehran organized by the Honorary Consulate General of Nepal.