Press Release- Foreign Minister Holds Virtual Meeting with UK Defence Ministers on British Gurkha Issues

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Shisir Khanal, held a virtual meeting today with the Secretary of State for Defence of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. John Healey and Defence Minister for Veterans and People Hon. Ms Louise Sandher-Jones MP.

The meeting primarily focused on the British Gurkhas' unresolved long-standing grievances including the demand for proportionate pensions. While highlighting the significance of the British Gurkhas in the Nepal-UK relations, Minister Khanal stressed the need for a mutually agreeable solution to the British Gurkha grievances at the earliest possible time. In this context, he requested the British Government to demonstrate from the perspective of justice, fairness and respect to address these issues.

On behalf of the Secretary of State John Healey, Minister for Veterans and People Hon. Louise Sandher-Jones reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with the Nepali side to address the issues of the British Gurkha veterans.

Foreign Secretary Mr Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were present in the meeting. From the British side, Hon. Alex Baker MP and Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal, and other senior officials from the British Ministry of Defence were present. Also present in the virtual meeting were the representatives of the British Gurkha organisations.

Earlier today, Hon. Minister Khanal had a virtual interaction with the representatives of the British Gurkha veterans based in the UK.

The meeting was coordinated and facilitated by Mr Bipin Duwadi, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Nepal in London.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Singhadurbar, Kathmandu

8 June 2026