NICCI holds farewell reception for Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava

KATHMANDU: Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) held a farewell reception on Monday in Kathmandu to honour Naveen Srivastava, the outgoing Indian ambassador to Nepal and patron of NICCI.

The event also bade farewell to Suman Shekhar, departing First Secretary (Commerce) at the Indian Embassy, and formally welcomed Rishabh Deo as his successor.

The programme opened with welcome remarks from NICCI Secretary General Rajan Sharma and comments from NICCI President Sunil KC, who outlined collaborative achievements during Ambassador Srivastava’s tenure. KC highlighted milestones including the Business Climate Survey, the Investment Guidebook and the Potato Summit, and thanked the Ambassador for his cooperation and readiness to deepen diplomatic and commercial ties between the two countries.

Ambassador Srivastava addressed attendees, noting his engagement with the Nepali business community and the strengthening of commercial links under his watch. He said Nepal’s hydropower and energy sectors are set to continue expanding in the coming years and pointed to the recent visit of Nepal’s Finance Minister to India as a productive engagement for both nations.

On bilateral trade, he said the trade deficit should not be viewed as a 'glass half empty', and added that growth in the energy sector will likely improve the balance over time.

To mark his service, NICCI President KC presented Ambassador Srivastava with a token of appreciation. Suman Shekhar delivered farewell remarks and also received a token from KC, before introducing Rishabh Deo to the guests. Deo made brief remarks on his new role and was welcomed by KC on behalf of NICCI.

The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks from NICCI Vice President Gaurav Tayal. The reception was attended by senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, former ambassadors, embassy staff and leading figures from the local industry and business community, underlining NICCI’s emphasis on Nepal‑India bilateral relations.