Nepal re-appoints controversial Indian envoy, Deep Kumar Upadhyay

KATHMANDU: Nepal has re-appointed Deep Kumar Upadhyay as its envoy to India, nearly six months after he was recalled by the previous K P Oli-led government over charges of 'non-cooperation' and indulging in 'anti-government' activities.

Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari yesterday appointed Upadhyay as Ambassador to India while also naming Leela Mani Paudyal as envoy to China, according to a statement issued by the President's office today.

Upadhyay would enjoy the diplomatic ranking of a Cabinet Minister, according to the statement.


Upadhyay, who was serving as Nepal's Ambassador to India since April 2015, was suddenly recalled by the erstwhile Oli government on May 6.

The Oli-led government had levelled three charges against Upadhyaya to justify its decision to recall him and officials had said he was working 'against national interest'.

Upadhyay, a leader of Nepali Congress, was seen as the first casualty of the cancellation of Nepalese President Bhandari's planned visit to India.

Paudyal is a former Chief Secretary of the government of Nepal.

The Council of Ministers on September 1 had recommended the duo for the key diplomatic outposts in Nepal's neighbourhood.