Foreign Minister Shrestha Holds Telephone Conversation with Russian Foreign Minister

In a significant development concerning the illegal recruitment of Nepalis in the Russian army, a high-level dialogue has taken place between the governments of Nepal and Russia. Deputy Prime Minister and newly appointed Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha, representing Nepal, engaged in a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Thursday, addressing various critical issues stemming from the illicit recruitment.

During the dialogue, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha emphasized the urgent need for the repatriation of illegally recruited Nepalis from the Russian army, as well as the retrieval of the bodies of those who lost their lives in conflicts, particularly in Ukraine. He also highlighted the necessity of rescuing and providing compensation to the injured, while seeking redress for the families of the deceased and injured.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha reiterated the enduring friendship between Nepal and Russia, stressing the cancellation of recruitment contracts that led to Nepali citizens being unlawfully enlisted in the Russian army. Additionally, he urged for their prompt repatriation to Nepal.

Among the issues raised during the conversation was an inquiry into the number of Nepalis currently recruited in the Russian army. However, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov mainly addressed Russia’s commitment to compensating the families of the deceased Nepalis. Notably, he did not provide further details on other concerns raised by Nepal.

An official from the foreign ministry remarked that while Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov acknowledged the dialogue, he stated that officials from both countries would remain in contact regarding the matter.

The illegal recruitment of Nepalis in the Russian army has raised serious concerns, with reports indicating at least 12 Nepali casualties in conflicts alongside the Russian army against Ukraine. Furthermore, five individuals are currently in the custody of the Ukrainian army. Meanwhile, over 200 families have registered complaints, seeking the safe return of their loved ones serving in the Russian Army, as per officials at the Department of Consular Affairs.

Thursday’s telephone discussion between Nepal and Russia marks a significant step forward in addressing the issue of illegal recruitment. While the dialogue proved successful in certain aspects due to Nepal’s persistent efforts, the lack of additional information from the Russian side leaves uncertainties regarding the resolution of the broader concerns raised by Nepal.