Nepal and the Russian Federation concluded bilateral consultations in Kathmandu on October 7, 2026, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The meeting reviewed the overall state of Nepal-Russia relations, with both sides appreciating their longstanding friendship and reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation.

The two countries discussed expanding collaboration in education, human resource development, culture, tourism, climate change, trade and investment. They also briefed each other on political and economic developments in their respective countries and exchanged views on regional and multilateral issues of mutual interest, including climate cooperation and engagement in multilateral institutions.

A significant part of the consultations focused on Nepali nationals in the Russian Army, including those reported missing, Nepalis detained in Ukraine as prisoners of war, and questions related to compensation. The press release does not provide further details on any agreements or outcomes reached on these specific issues.

The talks were co-chaired by Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko. The meeting also recalled the bilateral consultation mechanism established through a protocol signed between the two foreign ministries on September 5, 1995.