Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) hosts Farewell Reception in honour of Ambassador Naveen Srivastava

Kathmandu, Nepal — September 21, 2026: The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) hosted a farewell reception at the Marriott Hotel, Kathmandu, in honour of His Excellency Naveen Srivastava, Ambassador of India to Nepal and Patron of NICCI, whose tenure in Kathmandu draws to a close. The evening also marked the departure of Mr. Suman Shekhar, outgoing First Secretary (Commerce) at the Embassy of India, and extended a formal welcome to his successor, Mr. Rishabh Deo, incoming First Secretary (Commerce).

The programme opened at 5:30 PM with welcome remarks from Mr. Rajan Sharma, Secretary General of NICCI, followed by opening remarks from Mr. Sunil K.C., President of NICCI. In his remarks, President Sunil K.C. looked back on the Chamber’s collaborative work with Ambassador Srivastava over the course of his tenure, citing the Business Climate Survey, the Investment Guidebook, and the Potato Summit as milestones achieved through that partnership. He voiced appreciation for the Ambassador’s cooperation and his consistent willingness to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Srivastava then addressed the gathering, reflecting on his years of engagement with the Nepali business community and the deepening of commercial ties between the two nations under his watch. He noted that Nepal’s hydropower and energy sectors are positioned to continue expanding in the years ahead, and pointed to the recent visit of Nepal’s Finance Minister to India as a productive one for both sides. He described the newly elected government as a symbol of hope, and offered a candid perspective on the trade balance between the two countries, saying the deficit should not be viewed as a glass half empty, and that growth in the energy sector stands to improve that ratio over time. In recognition of his service, President Sunil K.C. presented him with a token of appreciation on behalf of the Chamber.

Mr. Suman Shekhar followed with farewell remarks of his own, marking the conclusion of his posting at the Embassy of India, and received a token of appreciation from President Sunil K.C. He then formally introduced his successor, Mr. Rishabh Deo, to the assembled guests. Mr. Deo addressed the gathering with brief remarks on assuming his new role, after which President Sunil K.C. extended NICCI’s welcome.

The formal proceedings closed with a vote of thanks delivered by a Vice President of NICCI Mr. Gaurav Tayal, followed by a cocktail reception and dinner that gave guests an opportunity for informal interaction and networking.

The reception was graced by the presence of senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, former ambassadors, embassy officials, and leading figures from Nepal’s industry and business community, emphasizing the significance NICCI places on the bilateral relationship between Nepal and India.

NICCI extended its gratitude to Ambassador Srivastava and Mr. Shekhar for their contributions to strengthening Nepal-India economic and commercial cooperation, and welcomed Mr. Deo with the assurance of the Chamber’s continued partnership as he begins his tenure.