Balendra Shah refuses to meet Sergio Gor Trump’s envoy to Nepal
KATHMANDU -Prime Minister Balendra Shah has refused to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, during the envoy’s official visit to Kathmandu, according to senior government officials.
Gor, who also serves as the U.S. Ambassador to India, is holding meetings with Nepal’s foreign minister, finance minister, and other senior leaders. However, the Prime Minister’s Office has formally communicated that Shah will not be granting an appointment, confirming that the decision is deliberate.
Shah’s current diplomatic stance has drawn renewed attention to a Facebook post he wrote during his tenure as Mayor of Kathmandu, which went viral across Nepali social media.
In that post, addressed to Donald J. Trump, Shah wrote:
“Dear Donald J. Trump,
Thank you for making us realise our country is better than yours.
We are poor because our people are leaving our country.
You are poor that your people cannot build your country; you lazy people need rest of the world for it.
Please stop your lust (DV) slavery as well; we shall get our gems back.
Ban rest of the world from your country, and let the world grow.”
The message generated widespread discussion at the time regarding his communication style and his views on international relations.
Government Says Shah Is Focused on Internal Governance
Minister Santosh Pariyar Dahal stated that the Prime Minister’s priorities are currently domestic.
“He is currently focused on issues related to internal good governance. He could not meet with diplomat Gor due to his extremely tight schedule,” Dahal said.
Despite this explanation, officials confirm that the Prime Minister chose not to meet the visiting envoy.
Second Refusal in Recent Weeks
Shah’s decision follows a similar refusal earlier in April, when he declined to meet Samir Paul Kapur, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs. Kapur met several Nepali ministers, but the Prime Minister did not participate in any engagements.
Officials say Shah is attempting to establish a new diplomatic protocol, choosing to meet only with foreign representatives of ministerial or higher rank.
U.S. Envoy Continues Scheduled Meetings
Envoy Gor is proceeding with meetings that include:
• Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle
• Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal
• Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai
• Other senior officials
These appointments have been confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Diplomatic Reactions
Shah’s stance has sparked debate among analysts. Some interpret it as an effort to assert a more structured diplomatic approach, while others say it may create uncertainty for foreign partners accustomed to traditional engagement practices in Kathmandu.
Current Situation
As of Saturday morning, the Prime Minister’s Office has no plans to revise its decision. Envoy Gor’s visit will therefore proceed without a meeting with Nepal’s head of government, marking a notable shift in Nepal‑U.S. diplomatic interactions.