Oct 12, Kathmandu - Nepal’s proposed ambassador to India, Dr. Nishchal Nath Pandey, has pledged to transform the two countries’ historic relationship into a results-driven economic partnership, prioritizing energy, trade, connectivity and tourism.

Presenting his work plan to the Parliamentary Hearing Committee on Monday, Pandey said he would carry out his diplomatic duties based on sovereign equality, mutual respect and Nepal’s national interests. He said Nepal’s foreign policy would be guided by the Constitution, the principles of Panchsheel and the United Nations Charter.

Pandey said a key priority would be to shift from traditional diplomacy toward economic diplomacy, attracting investment and technology to Nepal while implementing the government’s official policies and plans.

His proposals include pursuing Nepal’s target of exporting 10,000 megawatts of electricity to India over the next decade, implementing long-term power purchase agreements and expanding transmission lines. He also pledged to work to reduce Nepal’s trade deficit by addressing non-tariff barriers.

On border management, Pandey proposed using modern technology and artificial intelligence to develop a “smart border,” establishing a round-the-clock contact mechanism to address cross-border crime, and creating systems to resolve local issues at the local level.

He also highlighted opportunities to attract more Indian tourists, including by promoting Nepal as a destination for Indian government employees eligible for Leave Travel Concession benefits. Pandey noted that while more than 30 million Indian citizens travel abroad each year, only around 292,000 visit Nepal. He said he would seek to expand air links from Indian cities to destinations including Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa.

To strengthen people-to-people ties, Pandey proposed greater cooperation among universities, parliaments, think tanks and the private sector. His plans include establishing a Nepal–India Women Parliamentarians’ Forum within a year and advocating for a “Nepal Chair” at an Indian university.

“If approved by this committee, I commit to serving as ambassador in accordance with the policies, directives and priorities of the Government of Nepal,” Pandey said, adding that protecting Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, independence and national interests would be central to his role.

He also pledged to promote cooperation on disaster management and early-warning systems while preserving the distinctive character of the open border and working to control cross-border crime.

If appointed ambassador to India, Pandey would also serve as Nepal’s non-resident ambassador to Bhutan. He said his doctoral research on Bhutan would support efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

Pandey further pledged to pursue dialogue with the Bhutanese government on the dignified return of approximately 6,500 Lhotshampa, or Bhutanese refugees, living in camps in Nepal. He said he would also promote cooperation in tourism, culture, Buddhist heritage and the economy, while addressing humanitarian concerns and family reunification.