KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, held a high-level virtual meeting on Monday with UK Defence Secretary John Healey and Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones to address long-standing, unresolved grievances of British Gurkha veterans.

During the discussions, Minister Khanal emphasized the historic and critical role British Gurkhas play in shaping Nepal-UK bilateral relations.

He urged the British government to look at the issues through the lens of “justice, fairness, and respect,” pressing for an expedited, mutually agreeable solution to core demands, including proportionate pensions.

Speaking on behalf of Defence Secretary Healey, UK Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to working closely with Nepali authorities to address the veterans’ concerns.

The meeting saw wide representation from both governments and veteran groups.

Nepali Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and senior foreign ministry officials attended from Kathmandu.

The British delegation included Alex Baker MP, Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal, alongside senior officials from the UK Ministry of Defence.

Representatives from various British Gurkha organizations also participated directly in the virtual session.

Prior to the bilateral talks, Minister Khanal held a separate virtual interaction with UK-based British Gurkha veteran representatives to gather direct input.

The high-level dialogue was coordinated and facilitated by Bipin Duwadi, the Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Nepal in London.