New Delhi: India has proposed senior career diplomat Sudhakar Dalela, currently secretary (economic relations) and the BRICS Sherpa, as the next ambassador to Nepal following a diplomatic vacancy.
The post of ambassador in Kathmandu became vacant after the retirement of career diplomat Naveen Srivastava earlier this month. India’s formal proposal seeking an agrément, or the host country’s formal approval for a proposed ambassador, was dispatched on Tuesday, according to people familiar with the matter.
Diplomatic Experience And Recent Role
Dalela recently played a key role as the official in-charge of the team at the external affairs ministry that helped forge consensus on a joint declaration at the BRICS Summit last month amid sharp differences between Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
He has previous experience in overseeing India’s relations with Nepal, having served as director (North) during 2006-2007 and as joint secretary (North) during 2016-2019 within the external affairs ministry.
Career Background And Postings
Dalela joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1993 and served as director in the Prime Minister’s Office during 2009-2011, focusing on India’s engagement with South Asia, East Asia, the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East.
His overseas diplomatic postings include service in Indian missions in Brasilia, Chicago, Dhaka, Geneva, Thimphu and Washington. Most recently, he served as the ambassador to Bhutan during 2022-2025.
He also has experience in trade and economic policy, having served in the department of commerce in New Delhi as director (trade policy) and twice at India’s permanent mission to the World Trade Organization, including as deputy permanent representative during 2014-2016.
Context Of The Appointment
The development comes in the wake of speculation in some quarters that New Delhi could opt for a political appointee to make a fresh start with Nepal following the Gen Z uprising that resulted in the election of the government led by Prime Minister Balen Shah.
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