Namaste, diaspora family! Just three weeks before Nepal’s historic March 5 election, this week brought heartbreak and hope in equal measure. A mining disaster in India claimed Nepali lives, great powers positioned themselves ahead of the vote, and our cricket team nearly toppled England at the T20 World Cup. Let’s unpack a consequential week.
🌍 Diaspora & Globalisation
Meghalaya Mine Disaster Claims Nepali Lives; Embassy Issues Safety Advisory
A devastating explosion at an illegal rat-hole coal mine in India’s East Jaintia Hills claimed multiple Nepali lives on February 5, with several more seriously injured. Among the victims were brothers Purna Bahadur and Surendra Khapangi Magar from Khotang district, part of the 31 total fatalities. Nepal’s National Assembly lawmakers immediately called for expedited repatriation of remains and compensation for families, while on February 13 the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi issued a formal safety advisory urging citizens to avoid unauthorized workplaces lacking proper safety measures. The tragedy exposes a brutal reality: thousands of Nepalis working in India’s shadow economy have no insurance, no legal recourse, and often no way home when disaster strikes. For families who depend on remittances from these workers, the human cost of informal migration channels has never been clearer. (India Today NE)
In Brief: The diaspora’s outsized role in Nepal’s economy took other forms this week:
* Remittances surge 39.1% to Rs 1.06 trillion: Nepal Rastra Bank data shows remittance inflows hit Rs 1.06 trillion (USD 7.50 billion) in the first six months of FY2025/26, with January 2026 alone bringing Rs 192.62 billion. The diaspora’s economic firepower has never been more visible. (Khabarhub)
* 12th NRNA World Conference set for Kathmandu, March 14-16: The premier gathering for the global Nepali diaspora will take place just nine days after the national election, creating a unique window for engagement with the incoming government on investment, NRN rights, and development priorities. (Review Nepal)
🏛️ Politics & Governance
US Signals Strategic Interest in Nepal Election, Warns of “Debt-Driven Influence”
Nepal’s March 5 election drew direct attention from Washington this week when US Assistant Secretary of State Paul Kapur testified before the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee, expressing confidence in the electoral process and stating the US is “prepared to work with whoever wins.” But the real headline was the framing: Kapur explicitly positioned Nepal within the broader US-China strategic competition, warning about “debt-driven influence strategies” — a thinly veiled reference to Chinese lending under the Belt and Road Initiative. Ranking Member Kamlager-Dove noted that the Trump administration recalled career ambassadors from Nepal and Sri Lanka in December, “weakening diplomatic leadership in two key states” at a critical moment. The testimony marks a shift from softer engagement to a more confrontational posture on China’s role in South Asia. For Nepal, caught between its two giant neighbors, the message is clear: Washington views the post-Gen Z political reset as part of the great power contest that will shape aid flows, investment decisions, and diplomatic relationships for years to come. (Kathmandu Post)
In Brief: The political landscape continued shifting rapidly ahead of the election:
* Thousands of monarchists rally to welcome ex-King Gyanendra: Pro-monarchy supporters from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party flooded Kathmandu’s streets chanting “Come back King, save the nation,” defying gathering bans in a dramatic pre-election show of strength that reveals deep fault lines about Nepal’s political future. (Reuters / The Star)
* New Chinese ambassador arrives, vows to deepen strategic partnership: Zhang Maoming replaced Chen Song just weeks before the election, pledging to advance China-Nepal ties. The timing underscores Beijing’s intent to maintain influence after the ouster of pro-China former PM K.P. Sharma Oli. (Kathmandu Post)
💸 Economy & Development
World Bank Approves $50 Million Digital Transformation Project
The World Bank has approved $50 million in financing for the Nepal Digital Transformation Project, with an additional $40 million expected from the Asian Development Bank. The project will build an integrated online citizen service portal, a comprehensive social registry, government-wide data exchange infrastructure, and — critically for the diaspora — digitize land administration records that have remained paper-based and notoriously difficult to access from abroad. The initiative also includes investments in cybersecurity, e-signature systems, and digital identity infrastructure. For overseas Nepalis, the implications are significant: managing property inheritance, verifying land ownership, obtaining official documents, and accessing government services have long required either flying home or navigating opaque bureaucracy through intermediaries. A functioning digital portal with authenticated land records could eliminate many of these pain points. The project will run through 2029, with the portal’s first services expected to go live in late 2026 or early 2027. (World Bank)
In Brief: Other economic developments with diaspora implications:
* Qatar signals major investment in hydropower, tourism, aviation: A Qatari business delegation met with Nepal’s Finance Minister and NRB Governor to discuss investment in hydropower, tourism infrastructure, and Qatar Airways’ potential involvement in operationalizing Pokhara and Gautam Buddha airports — which would significantly improve travel connectivity for Nepalis working in the Gulf. (Spotlight Nepal)
* Nepal works to exit FATF grey list as NRB warns of rising remittance costs: Nepal’s central bank hosted an international AML/CFT conference targeting reforms by end of 2026. Staying on the Financial Action Task Force grey list could increase remittance transfer costs and deter foreign investment, directly affecting the diaspora’s ability to send money home affordably. (Khabarhub)
⭐ Social & Cultural
Nepal Nearly Pulls Off Historic T20 World Cup Upset Against England
Nepal came within four runs of pulling off one of the greatest upsets in T20 World Cup history, nearly defeating two-time champions England at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on February 8. Chasing England’s 184, Nepal’s innings exploded into life with an 82-run partnership between captain Rohit Paudel (39) and Dipendra Singh Airee (44), then reached fever pitch when Lokesh Bam smashed 39 runs off just 18 balls, including towering sixes off Jofra Archer that sent thousands of Nepali fans in the stadium into absolute bedlam. With 11 needed off the final over, Sam Curran held his nerve to close out England’s escape, but the damage to English pride was done. Social media erupted with tributes to Nepal’s fearless performance, with clips of Bam’s sixes going viral across the diaspora. Four days later, reality hit hard: Nepal suffered a deflating 10-wicket loss to tournament debutants Italy. For Nepalis worldwide, the England match remains the most thrilling moment in Nepal cricket history on the global stage — a near-miracle that fell just short but proved Nepal belongs at this level. (ESPNcricinfo)
In Brief: Other cultural moments from the week:
* Maha Shivaratri preparations reach final stage at Pashupatinath: The Pashupati Area Development Trust confirmed all four gates open at 2:00 AM on February 15, with sadhus arriving from across Nepal and India for the all-night worship. A deeply nostalgic occasion for Nepalis abroad connected to family traditions of fasting and devotion. (Khabarhub)
* Nepathya kicks off four-city Nepal tour to packed audiences: Nepal’s iconic folk-rock band launched sold-out shows in Hetauda, Butwal, Chitwan, and Bandipur, performing classics including “Ho Rama Ho” — powerful sonic connections to home for Nepalis abroad streaming the performances online. (The Himalayan Times)
Until next week, stay connected! — The Nepali Diaspora Digest Team
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