Deep Kumar Upadhyay was recalled by the erstwhile KP Oli-led government on May 6. (File Photo)
Nepal today nominated Deep Kumar Upadhyay as its envoy to India, nearly four months after he was recalled by the previous Oli government over charges of 'non-cooperation' and indulging in 'anti-government' activities.
The cabinet meeting chaired by new Prime Minister Prachanda at his office in Singha Durbar today nominated Mr Upadhyay as ambassadorial candidate for India and Chief Secretary Lila Mani Poudel for China, sources said.
However, their nomination should be endorsed by the parliamentary hearing committee before they can be formally appointed to the top diplomatic posts.
Mr Upadhyay, who was serving as Nepal's ambassador to India since April 2015, was suddenly recalled by the erstwhile KP Oli-led government on May 6.
Mr Upadhyay's nomination comes less than fortnight before PM Prachanda's maiden visit to India after assuming office last month.
The KP Oli-led government had levelled three charges against Mr Upadhyay to justify its decision to recall him and officials had said he was working 'against national interest'.
"Envoys should follow government's directives and maintain diplomatic decorum," Minister for Defence Bhim Rawal had said after the move at that time.
Mr Upadhyay, a leader of opposition Nepali Congress who was appointed as Nepal's envoy to India in April last year, was being seen as the first casualty of the cancellation of Nepalese President Bidhya Devi Bhandari's planned visit to India.
The diplomat was also charged with siding with the Nepali Congress opposition in supporting a threat by the Maoist party led by Prachanda to topple Oli's government.
Besides, he was accused of breaching his jurisdiction without informing the government and visiting some western Nepal districts accompanying India's ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae, Mr Rawal had said.