US Assistant Secretary Kapur meets RSP chief, explores tech partnerships

The recent three-day visit of US Assistant Secretary of State David Kapur to Nepal marks a significant diplomatic engagement, underscoring the enduring partnership between our nations. As the highest-ranking foreign diplomat to visit Kathmandu since Prime Minister Balendra Shah took office, Kapur's presence signals Washington's continued interest in Nepal's political and economic landscape.

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Great to meet Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Lamichhane here in Kathmandu to learn about RSP’s priorities in the new government and discuss areas for US-Nepal.

Kapur's itinerary, which included meetings with Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane and discussions on bilateral priorities, highlights the US's commitment to fostering a strong relationship. The focus on expanding US business opportunities in Nepal's burgeoning ICT sector, including discussions on digital infrastructure, AI, and cybersecurity, is particularly welcome. These engagements promise to bring valuable investment and technological advancement, aligning with Nepal's own development goals.

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important discussion with industry leaders about expanding US business opportunities in Nepal’s ICT sector. Also discussed ways to bolster digital infrastructure, AI adoption, cybersecurity, and sharing US technology prowess.

However, the absence of a meeting with Prime Minister Shah has drawn attention. While the US Embassy stated Kapur was engaging with various stakeholders, the lack of a direct meeting with the head of government is unusual for such high-level visits. This deviation from past practice, where predecessors typically met the prime minister, raises questions about the current state of diplomatic communication and agenda setting between Washington and Kathmandu. Our foreign ministry officials noted that no specific agendas were shared by the American side, indicating a potential gap in coordinated diplomatic efforts.

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But there was no such request from the American side to meet the prime minister so there is no meeting with the PM. And the US side has also not shared the agendas of the visit with the foreign ministry.

From Nepal's perspective, such visits are crucial not only for strengthening economic ties but also for understanding the nuances of US foreign policy. While Western media might focus on the diplomatic protocols or the absence of a prime ministerial meeting, for us, the substance of the discussions—particularly regarding economic cooperation and technological exchange—holds the most significance. We anticipate that these dialogues will translate into tangible benefits for Nepal, fostering growth and innovation.

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They (Americans) have not shared any agendas with us, we are just anticipating the visit as introductory where we will communicate our priorities, and what we are doing and they will share the priorities of the Trump administration.