India proposes Sudhakar Dalela as next envoy to Nepal: Reports

There was, however, no official confirmation from the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on the proposed appointment.

Dalela, a 1993-batch Indian Foreign Service officer, is currently Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, a position he took up in September 2025. He also serves as India’s Sherpa for BRICS, IBSA and I2U2.

Dalela has extensive experience in dealing with India’s neighbourhood. He has previously served in the MEA’s North Division, which handles India’s relations with Nepal and Bhutan, and was also India’s Ambassador to Bhutan from 2022 to 2025.

Earlier during Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal’s visit to New Delhi in June, the two sides reviewed cooperation in development partnership, connectivity, trade and transit, energy and people-to-people ties.

Nepal is a key partner under India’s Neighbourhood First policy, with the two countries sharing an open border and close historical and people-to-people ties.