RSP Set to Appoint Shishir Khanal as Nepal Foreign Minister as Cabinet Talks Advance

RSP is close to finalizing its cabinet, with Shishir Khanal set to become Foreign Minister, Swarnim Wagle likely for Finance, and the Home Ministry still under discussion.

Pushpa Tamang

Friday, 27 March 2026, 11:09 • Updated: 27 Mar 2026

RSP lawmaker Shishir Khanal is expected to be appointed as Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs as cabinet formation nears completion.

Kathmandu — Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is close to finalizing its cabinet, with internal discussions indicating that lawmaker Shishir Khanal will be appointed as Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs.

According to party sources, the decision was reached following consultations among senior leaders, including party chairman Rabi Lamichhane and parliamentary party leader Balen Shah. Khanal currently heads the party’s international affairs department, a role that has positioned him as a key figure in shaping the party’s external engagement.

Khanal previously served as Minister for Education in the government led by Pushpa Kamal Dahal. He was elected to the House of Representatives from Kathmandu-6 in the latest parliamentary elections.

Meanwhile, lawmaker and economist Swarnim Wagle is being considered for the position of Finance Minister, according to party insiders. The Home Ministry remains undecided. Discussions are ongoing among Deputy Chairman DP Aryal, Sudan Gurung, and Sunil Lamsal.

Sources said Chairman Lamichhane favors Aryal for the role, while Shah is inclined toward either Gurung or Lamsal. Shah is scheduled to take the oath of office as Nepal’s Prime Minister at 12:34 PM today. The Council of Ministers is expected to be formed shortly after.