Rae completes Nepal stint, India yet to name new envoy

Even as India's Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae on Tuesday completed his diplomatic stint in the Himalayan nation and was set to leave for home the next day, India is yet to name his successor.

On Tuesday, Rae made a farewell call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at the end of three-and-half years of diplomatic posting and discussed a wide range of issues with him.

"Ambassador Rae paid a formal call on PM Dahal. He is returning home after completing his tenure," a statement by the Nepal Prime Minister's Office said.

An ambassadorial assignment in Nepal is considered challenging as well as a prize posting for any Indian diplomat. Till the arrival of the new Indian envoy, Deputy Chief of Mission Vinay Kumar will head the Kathmandu-based Indian Embassy.

During the meeting, Dahal thanked Rae and said his diplomatic role in Nepal was both effective and balanced. He also hoped that bilateral ties would be further strengthened in the days to come, the statement said.

Dahal's Press Adviser Govinda Acharya said the Prime Minister noted that high-level bilateral visits during Rae's term as Ambassador as well as speeding up of developmental projects implemented in Nepal with India's support were all due to Rae's efforts.

Ambassador Rae, too, thanked the Nepal government and the Nepali people for the positive support he received during his stint in the Himalayan country.

Later in the evening, Rae was given a warm farewell by Embassy officers and staff. "They will miss his guidance, leadership and hospitality," an Indian Embassy tweet said.

--IANS

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