India has nominated senior diplomat Sudhakar Dalela to become its ambassador to Nepal. The appointment is awaiting approval from the government in Kathmandu.
The Hindu, citing sources, reported that New Delhi sent Dalela’s name to Kathmandu on Oct. 6. The Kathmandu Post also reported that India formally submitted the proposal to Nepal’s Foreign Ministry and is awaiting the government of Prime Minister Balen Shah’s approval.
Dalela has served as secretary for economic relations at India’s Ministry of External Affairs since September 2025. He joined the diplomatic service in 1993 and was India’s ambassador to Bhutan from 2022 to 2025. Earlier, he held several posts at the ministry, including roles overseeing ties with Nepal and Bhutan.
Sources cited by The Hindu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi called in April for experienced diplomats to lead missions in neighboring countries. The newspaper said Dalela’s nomination follows speculation in the media that a political figure might be appointed to the Kathmandu post.
Former Indian ambassador Vivek Katju told The Hindu that such assignments require discreet, careful handling, which career diplomats are generally equipped to provide. Nepal’s government must still approve Dalela’s nomination.