Trump’s Special Envoy Sergio Gaur Arriving in Kathmandu: Will He Meet Prime Minister Balen Shah?

April 30, Kathmandu – Sergio Gaur, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu this evening. According to a source at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Gaur’s visit marks one of the highest-level diplomatic engagements from the United States since the formation of the government led by Balen Shah.

At 39 years old, Gaur serves as the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asia and also holds the position of the US Ambassador to India. Considered a close aide to Trump, Gaur’s dual roles signify a higher official standing compared to that of Samir P. Kapur, the US Assistant Secretary of State, who visited Kathmandu earlier on April 20.

This will be Gaur’s first visit to Kathmandu, where his agenda is expected to focus on business, investment, and the expansion of bilateral governmental relations, according to ministry sources. He is scheduled to hold meetings with Nepal’s Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal.

While political discussions are anticipated during his stay, it remains uncertain whether Gaur will meet Prime Minister Balen Shah. The Prime Minister’s Press Advisor, Deepa Dahal, stated, “The Prime Minister is currently occupied with domestic issues, particularly concentrating on good governance.”

In recent years, most foreign diplomats visiting Nepal have met with the Prime Minister and senior political leaders. However, sources indicate that the government under Balen Shah has shifted its engagement approach. During his visit, Samir P. Kapur met with Rastriya Swatantra Party Chairman Ravi Lamichhane and various senior ministers but was unable to meet the Prime Minister.

Similarly, it appears likely that Gaur will also meet only with leaders from the Rastriya Swatantra Party and senior ministers, due to limited availability of the Prime Minister. However, meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal are confirmed.