KATHMANDU: Nischal Nath Pandey, the nominee for ambassador to India, has pledged to shift focus from traditional diplomacy to economic diplomacy to attract investment and technology to Nepal. He made these remarks during a parliamentary hearing committee meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday.
Pandey highlighted that the number of Indian tourists visiting Nepal remains significantly low compared to those leaving. He suggested that implementing specific schemes for serving Indian government employees could help boost tourism. While noting that Nepal has direct air connectivity with cities like New Delhi, Varanasi, Bangalore and Mumbai, he pointed out that flights to Kolkata are not regular and vowed to work toward improving this connection.
Addressing border security, Pandey emphasized the need for increased use of technology, including the deployment of drones and the implementation of a 24-hour smart border concept. He identified electricity export as a key strategy to reduce the trade deficit with India and committed to facilitating the smooth import and export of power. Pandey asserted that his role, responsibilities and perspective as an ambassador would remain strictly aligned with the policy directives and priorities of the Nepali government.
