Question:
Your Excellency, as our conversation takes place on the eve of Russia Day – the national holiday that symbolizes the sovereignty, resilience, and unity of the Russian Federation – could you kindly share with our readers the significance of this day for the Russian people, especially in the current historical context?

Answer:

Russia Day, celebrated annually on June 12, holds a special and profound place in the hearts of all Russian citizens. It is far more than just a date on the calendar, it is a living embodiment of our national spirit, our rich cultural heritage, and our unbreakable continuity through the ages. 

For the Russian people, this is a day of deep national pride. It serves as a reminder of the centuries-old history of our great nation that has time and again demonstrated unmatched fortitude in the face of adversity, whether defending our vast homeland during times of war or driving forward innovation, culture, and progress in times of peace.

As someone who has had the privilege to serve my country for over four decades, I can say with complete conviction that the greatness of Russia lies not only in its immense natural resources or in the expanse of its lands, but above all in its people in their wisdom, loyalty to their Motherland, and unwavering moral compass. Russia Day is a moment when we all pause to reflect on these timeless values.

In today’s complex and often turbulent world, the importance of this unity and patriotic spirit cannot be overstated. It is through our steadfast adherence to truth, to historical memory, and to sovereign dignity that Russia continues to chart an independent course one grounded in respect for the traditions of our forebears and in the aspirations of future generations.

I am particularly gratified to see that, even far from home, here in Nepal, the Russian community, our friends and partners join us in marking this important occasion. The warm interest shown by the Nepali people in Russian history and culture is a testament to the enduring bonds of friendship and mutual respect between our nations.

As we celebrate Russia Day this year, let it serve as an inspiration to all a reaffirmation that the Russian people stand united, proud of their history, confident in their future, and resolute in their mission to contribute to a more just, multipolar world. Our strength is in our truth, our unity, and our love for our beloved Russia.

Question:
Your Excellency, this year marks the 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War — a particularly significant milestone. Could you kindly tell us what commemorative events were organized by the Russian Embassy in Nepal on this important occasion?

Answer:
This year’s 80th Anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War was of profound importance, and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal organized a wide range of meaningful events to properly honor this sacred date.

As in previous years, we launched the traditional “St. George Ribbon” campaign - a powerful symbol of remembrance and gratitude. Thousands of ribbons were distributed not only among our compatriots and the Russian-speaking diaspora, but also widely among our Nepali friends, including members of Parliament, representatives of the Government, prominent public figures, journalists, and long-standing friends of Russia. The sincere interest and respect shown by all these participants was deeply moving and reaffirmed the shared value we place on historical memory.

A particularly moving event was the "Immortal Regiment" march through the streets of Kathmandu. It was a powerful sight to witness Russians and Nepalese — young and old - walking side by side while carrying portraits of their family members who had fought in the war. I personally took part in this tribute, as did many of my colleagues whose families also endured great sacrifice during those tragic years.

Additionally, we once again organized a ceremonial motor rally through Kathmandu - an initiative that has become a cherished tradition here in Nepal. With the valued support of the Nepal Police, this year’s convoy was conducted in an exceptionally dignified and well-coordinated manner.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the commemoration was the wreath-laying ceremony at our memorial stand, organized jointly with young Nepali friends from the World Youth Festival Preparatory Committee and from the All-Nepal National Free Students' Union. Their sincere and active participation clearly demonstrated the strength of friendship and mutual understanding between our peoples.

It is important to mention that on May 6, we hosted an official reception at the Embassy, which gathered the entire community in Nepal connected with Russia and the former Soviet Union — our compatriots, graduates of Soviet and Russian universities, representatives of the cultural, academic, and business circles, as well as friends of Russia from various walks of life. This reception provided an excellent opportunity to celebrate together, to reflect on the historical significance of Victory, and to reaffirm the importance of preserving the truth about the events of the Great Patriotic War.

Throughout this commemorative program, we also organized cultural and educational events, including public lectures, film screenings, and thematic roundtables devoted to the historical meaning of the Victory and its enduring relevance for global peace and justice.

I would especially like to commend the contributions of the Mitra Kunj Association the vibrant community of Nepali graduates of Soviet and Russian universities. Their active participation, personal stories, and consistent support for Russian-Nepali friendship were invaluable to this year’s commemorations.

Likewise, the Russian House in Kathmandu played a vital role in the cultural dimension of the program. Through exhibitions, concerts, and outreach activities, the Russian House significantly broadened public understanding of the importance of this anniversary and helped strengthen humanitarian ties between our nations.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal for their consistent support and constructive cooperation, which greatly contributed to the success of our commemorative events. The partnership and goodwill extended by our Nepali colleagues are a clear testament to the enduring friendship and mutual respect between our countries.

I believe that this year’s commemorative program not only honored the memory of our heroic forefathers but also deepened the bonds of friendship, mutual respect, and historical understanding between the Russian and Nepali peoples. We remain sincerely grateful to all our Nepali friends and partners who joined us in these sacred and heartfelt events.

Question:

In the context of the Great Patriotic War and World War II as a whole, how do you view the importance of the annual United Nations General Assembly resolution on “Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance”? How would you assess Nepal’s role in supporting this initiative?

Answer:

Thank you for this question, which touches upon one of the most morally significant initiatives on the modern international agenda.

The annual UN General Assembly resolution entitled “Combating glorification of Nazism, neo-Nazism and other practices that contribute to fuelling contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance” is a deeply principled and humanitarian initiative. It is not merely a political document — it is a moral call to the global community to remain vigilant so that the horrors of the 20th century, including those of World War II and the Great Patriotic War, are never repeated.

Traditionally introduced by the Russian Federation, this resolution is adopted each year with broad support. Its message is clear: there is no place in today’s world for the glorification of fascism, for the rewriting of history, or for the revival of ideologies of hatred and racial superiority. It strongly condemns public displays honoring Nazi collaborators, the desecration of World War II memorials, and any attempts to rehabilitate or justify Nazism.

In an era when we are witnessing an alarming rise in xenophobia, ultranationalism, and historical revisionism, this resolution takes on even greater importance. It affirms our collective responsibility to safeguard historical truth and to honor the memory of those who sacrificed their lives to defeat Nazism.

In this regard, we deeply value Nepal’s consistent and principled support. Year after year, Nepal votes in favor of this resolution, standing with those who uphold truth, justice, and human dignity. This support reflects Nepal’s firm commitment to peace, tolerance, and the rejection of hatred in all forms.

Nepal’s stance is particularly meaningful: though geographically distant from the battlefields of World War II, Nepal demonstrates a profound understanding of the universal significance of this struggle. It shows that the defense of historical memory and moral clarity transcends borders.

For Russia, the fight against the resurgence of Nazism is a sacred moral duty, rooted in the memory of the 27 million Soviet citizens who perished in the Great Patriotic War. Each time this resolution is adopted, it honors their sacrifice — and the support of countries like Nepal helps to keep this memory alive on the global stage.

Against the backdrop of current trends within the United Nations system, the importance of defending historical truth is more evident than ever. In recent years, the UN Secretariat, under the political influence of certain Western states, has increasingly deviated from the principles of neutrality enshrined in Article 100 of the UN Charter. Since the 2014 coup in Kyiv, Secretariat representatives have consistently echoed the biased anti-Russian narrative of Ukraine and its Western sponsors. They rely on a series of politically motivated General Assembly resolutions — none of which carry binding legal force — adopted under unprecedented pressure on developing countries. These include the infamous resolution 68/262 on the so-called “territorial integrity of Ukraine” and subsequent documents questioning Russia’s constitutional borders, despite clear violations of UN procedures and the Charter itself.

Moreover, glaring inconsistencies remain in how the Secretariat applies international law to territorial disputes worldwide. While uncritically reproducing “Crimean footnotes” in UN documents, the same Secretariat disregards long-standing resolutions on cases such as the Chagos Archipelago, Mayotte, the Golan Heights, and other territories. This selective application of international law severely undermines the credibility of the UN as an impartial guardian of the Charter’s principles. In this context, the annual resolution on combating glorification of Nazism takes on added significance — as a rare example of the international community standing firmly against historical revisionism and ideological manipulation.

We highly value our partnership with Nepal in this matter and look forward to continued cooperation in defending the principles of truth, peace, and justice at the United Nations.

Question:

Nepal and Russia are on the verge of completing seven decades of diplomatic relations. How do you evaluate the so far journey of the relationship?

Answer:

Over the past years and decades, enormous changes have taken place in our countries and in the world. But the feelings of mutual sympathy between the two peoples and the desire to deepen multifaceted international cooperation have not changed.

On the eve of the Russia National Day I traditionally express my gratitude to all my Russian and Nepali colleagues who made their great contribution to strengthening and developing relations between our countries.

Russia attaches great importance to the development of relations with Nepal. Our countries have a rich history of cooperation in economic, cultural, educational, technical spheres. At all times, relations between Moscow and Kathmandu have been of traditionally friendly nature and have never been clouded by any contradictions or differences. Russia values peace-loving foreign policy of Nepal, its adherence to the principles of Non-Alignment and peaceful coexistence.

 At the same time, as many Nepali experts note, the emphasis on neutrality in many ways hinders the achievement of concrete benefits from cooperation. We see great prospects in strengthening economic cooperation. The key areas here are hydropower, supplies of grain, oils, fertilizers, the restoration of direct air traffic regularly proposed by the Nepali side, many other spheres and, of course, tourism. In this regard, the Embassy is tirelessly working with our Nepali colleagues from the Ministries, Chambers of Commerce and Industry and Nepal Investment and Tourism Boards. 

Traditionally, Nepal is a very attractive tourist destination for the Russian nationals. Annually, thousands of tourists and mountain climbers arrive to the Himalayan republic to scale the World’s most famous peaks, enjoy centuries-old temples and sanctuaries, get to know the rich cultural heritage of the country. Actually, the number of visitors from Russia to Nepal has been steadily increasing during the last several years and reached the record of 13,7 thousand people in 2024. 

The relationship between Russia and Nepal is friendly and full of potential, but I must admit it could be developing more dynamically. One important factor that could significantly accelerate our cooperation is more active participation of Nepali high-ranking officials in official events held in Russia.

Question:

What are the steps currently being taken by the governments of both nations to further strengthen bilateral relations?

Answer:

In recent months alone, the Russian side has extended formal invitations to the heads of relevant Nepali ministries and institutions to participate in a wide range of high-level platforms. These include the "Shaping the Future" Forum of Education Ministers in Kazan, the Russian Energy Week, International Meeting of High Representatives responsible for Security Issues, St. Petersburg International Legal Forum, Nevsky Environmental Congress, International Conference “ICT-crime 2025”, Practical Conference “Global Biosecurity Challenges” and, of course, the prestigious St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) - one of the most important platforms for business and investment dialogue.

If Nepali authorities demonstrated a stronger commitment to engaging in such events - and I must emphasize that the Embassy is fully committed to ensuring that every visit is meaningful and organized at the highest level, not treated as a mere formality, as unfortunately sometimes happens - then key issues such as attracting investment, establishing influential contacts, and promoting Nepal’s interests in multilateral agendas could be addressed much more effectively and rapidly.

We believe that deeper and more consistent engagement in these formats would not only benefit our bilateral ties but also bring concrete advantages for Nepal’s development goals.

Question:

How has the conflict in Ukraine impacted Russia’s foreign policy, particularly for smaller nations like Nepal?

Answer:

It is essential to understand that the Ukrainian conflict is not a regional conflict but an element of the geopolitical confrontation between the West and Russia. In global understanding, it has resulted from the aggressive opposition of the United States and its satellites to the objective and natural processes towards a multipolar world order. 

The urge of Western countries to harm Russia as one of the centres of the new just world order has evolved primarily into an attempt to create a "cordon sanitaire" of loyal states pursuing a Russophobic policy around our borders. The West has deliberately ignored Russia's security interests, undermined disarmament and arms control treaty systems, pursued a policy of consistent NATO enlargement eastward and engaging Ukraine in a Euro-Atlantic camp hostile to our country.

In 2014, an armed coup d'état was staged in Kiev with the active support of the US and the EU, bringing radical nationalist forces fully supervised by the West to power. Their task was to destroy a single historical, economic and spiritual space shared by Ukraine and Russia. Since 2014, the totalitarian regime in Kiev has been systematically violating human rights, including those of ethnic Russians and Russian-speaking residents of Ukraine, planting Russophobia, massively falsifying history by glorifying Nazi war criminals of the Great Patriotic War period, and perpetrating aggression against civilians in the Donbass. Under the Western strategy, Ukraine is expected to join NATO, and the alliance is undertaking a large-scale military deployment in its territory. The country has been turned into a bridgehead to fight Russia and has become a serious threat to our security.

Russia’s foreign policy continues to prioritize constructive and respectful engagement with countries across all regions - and this fully applies to our relationship with Nepal. While the ongoing situation in Ukraine has undoubtedly reshaped global geopolitical dynamics, it has not altered our deep respect for Nepal as a sovereign nation with an independent foreign policy.

We are fully aware that Nepal is under considerable pressure - particularly from countries that do not always respect its long-standing tradition as a leader of the Non-Aligned Movement. Despite this, we are sincerely grateful for the constructive and friendly approach demonstrated by Nepal’s leadership. 

The people of Nepal have always shown warm sentiments toward Russia, and I can say with confidence that this feeling is mutual. Russia views Nepal not just as a partner but as a sincere friend. This foundation of trust and mutual respect ensures that the current geopolitical situation has had no negative impact on the steady and positive course of our relations. 

Question:

In the wake of growing competition among global powers such as India, China, and the U.S., how does Russia see strategic dynamics in South Asia?

Answer:

Russia views the strategic dynamics in South Asia through the lens of multipolarity and respect for national sovereignty. Unlike some global actors that seek to impose their own vision on the region, often through pressure, conditionality, or bloc confrontation, Russia adheres to a principled and consistent foreign policy based on equality, non-interference, and mutual respect.

We are not in South Asia to compete or to dominate - we are here to cooperate. Our approach has always been distinct from that of Western powers, which often instrumentalize partnerships for their geopolitical games. Russia values South Asia as a region of ancient civilizations, profound cultural heritage, and growing economic potential. We believe that countries of the region should not be forced to choose between one power or another. Rather, they should have the freedom to pursue independent development paths and diversified partnerships.

Our strategic ties with India remain a cornerstone of regional stability. At the same time, we have deepened our dialogue with China, and we support inclusive mechanisms such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and BRICS, which aim to provide a platform for equitable cooperation without external dictate.

As for the United States, its strategy in the region - often aggressive, ideologically charged, and aimed at containment - does not align with the spirit of regional harmony. Russia, by contrast, offers a reliable, time-tested alternative - one that is free of neocolonial ambitions and based on shared interests, including in energy, defense, technology, and humanitarian cooperation.

We believe South Asia should be a space of peace, development, and dialogue - not a battlefield of influence. Russia will continue to be a stabilizing force, a predictable partner, and a firm advocate for a just world order based on the UN Charter and the sovereign equality of states.