Foreign Minister Khanal Calls Shah a ‘Rockstar’ for Crisis Management

At a high‑profile summit in Kathmandu, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal publicly praised Prime Minister Balendra Shah, calling him a “rock‑star” for his handling of Nepal’s most severe flash‑flood event in recent memory. The floods, which hit three districts bordering Tibet, have left a death toll of 359 and have stranded hundreds of foreign tourists.

Khanal explained that Shah’s administration is focused on delivering public services efficiently, ensuring that ordinary Nepalis experience government support as a seamless service rather than a cumbersome process. The prime minister, he said, places trust in his cabinet members, assigning them clear responsibilities while refraining from micromanagement.

The disaster has also resulted in the disappearance of roughly 300 Indian pilgrims traveling to the sacred Kailash‑Manasarovar region. Nepal’s foreign ministry is maintaining active communication with the Indian embassy and other diplomatic missions to locate the missing individuals.

In addition to domestic response efforts, the Nepalese government thanked India for its rapid relief aid, describing it as a vital contribution during the crisis. The collaborative response underscores the regional solidarity in the face of natural calamities.