KATHMANDU: Despite the government’s assertion that Russia is cooperating in repatriating Nepalis involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict from the Russian side, the response from Russian authorities suggests otherwise.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, recently reached out to Russian Ambassador Aleksei Novikov to request assistance in repatriating Nepali workers engaged in unauthorized activities within the Russian military.
However, Ambassador Novikov’s response to Finance Minister Barshaman Pun during their meeting on Wednesday hints at Russian reluctance to facilitate the repatriation of Nepalis.
During their meeting at the Ministry of Finance, Ambassador Aleksei extended his congratulations to Minister Pun and discussed future investment conferences.
Minister Pun also raised concerns about repatriating Nepali workers serving in the Russian military and the transfer of deceased bodies.
Referring to Ambassador Aleksei’s response regarding the return of Nepalis, a source from Pun’s office stated, “Ambassador Novikov informed us that Russia has not recruited them [Nepalis] and that they have entered Russia illegally from various countries, including India and Dubai.”
The source further noted, “We have received information that many Nepalis are unwilling to return even though they were recruited voluntarily.”
Reportedly, the ambassador emphasized that neither the Nepali government sent these youths for the war nor did the Russian government invite them, thus urging their return could contradict their wishes.
Highlighting the ambassador’s remarks, the source stated, “There is a strong possibility that many Nepalis are hesitant to return home, as indicated by their response.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Alexei assured Minister Pun during their meeting that Russia is prepared to assist in the release of Nepalis imprisoned in Ukraine by exchanging them with Ukrainian soldiers held captive in Russia.
Nepal seeks Russian investment in chemical fertilizer and hydropower sectors.
During the meeting with the ambassador, Finance Minister Pun urged Russia to invest in chemical fertilizer and hydropower projects in Nepal.
Minister Pun informed the ambassador that Nepal has facilitated access to the international electricity market.
In response, Ambassador Aleksei expressed optimism and pledged to further discuss this matter with Russian investors.
Additionally, Minister Pun requested increased participation of Russian investors in the upcoming investment conference in May, creating a favorable environment for their engagement.
Study on investment opportunities in Nepal
Russian representatives are gearing up to visit Nepal once conditions permit to explore investment opportunities.
Ambassador Alexei discussed this matter with Finance Minister Pun during his visit.
During the meeting, Minister Pun highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Nepal and Russia, recalling Russia’s past assistance in developing a section of the East-West Highway.
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