Foreign ministry officially recognises Mahesh Shrestha’s NRNA leadership

Kathmandu / May 22: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially recognised the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) led by Mahesh Shrestha, following a Supreme Court-mandated unity convention held in Kathmandu earlier this month.

The foreign ministry issued a circular to Nepali diplomatic missions worldwide on Thursday, acknowledging the legitimacy of the newly elected executive committee under Shrestha’s leadership. The recognition follows the Supreme Court’s directive for a unity convention to resolve longstanding leadership disputes within the NRNA.

Spokesperson for Shrestha’s NRNA, Gangadhar Gautam, expressed gratitude for the government’s support.

“We thank Honourable Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their correspondence with diplomatic missions, facilitating cooperation with the NRNA,” he said in a statement.

He urged Nepali diplomatic missions abroad to unite under the newly recognised leadership and collaborate with the International Coordination Council (ICC) to advance institutional interests.

The unity convention, convened by a high-level committee led by Shesh Ghale, resulted in Shrestha’s unopposed election as president. The convention aimed to unify the NRNA, which had been divided following disputed elections and parallel leadership claims.

Despite the ministry’s recognition, rival factions within the NRNA continue to assert their positions. Badri KC’s faction maintains that its term extends until October 2025 and disputes the legitimacy of the unity convention.

The leadership dispute has drawn political attention; while Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has supported KC’s faction, Foreign Minister Deuba has endorsed Shrestha’s leadership.

The NRNA, representing Nepali diaspora communities worldwide, plays a significant role in promoting Nepal’s interests abroad. The foreign ministry’s recognition of Shrestha’s leadership is expected to help consolidate the NRNA’s efforts and strengthen its contributions to Nepal’s development.