Minister Khanal calls for shared stewardship of Indian Ocean and Himalayas

April 11, Kathmandu: Nepal has called for collective and inclusive stewardship of the Indian Ocean, linking it with the Himalayas as part of a shared global ecological system.

Addressing the 9th Indian Ocean Conference 2026 in Mauritius on the theme “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance,” Foreign Affairs Minister Shisir Khanal said Nepal, though landlocked, remains organically connected to the Indian Ocean through climate, culture and history.

He said global instability, including conflicts in West Asia, has direct impacts on Nepal through migrant workers, fuel prices and supply chains, stressing that ocean stability is tied to global peace and economic security.

Minister Khanal highlighted the climate crisis, noting that melting Himalayan glaciers and warming oceans are interconnected challenges. He said Nepal’s Sagarmatha Sambaad initiative reflects its commitment to advancing the mountain–ocean dialogue at the global level.

Reaffirming Nepal’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, he said landlocked countries have rightful access to maritime opportunities under international law.

He also called for a rules-based, inclusive and peaceful maritime order grounded in mutual respect and multilateral cooperation.

Concluding his address, Minister Khanal urged nations to embrace compassion and shared responsibility, saying global challenges demand collective action for the well-being of all.