Welcome to Institute of Foreign Affairs

Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) is a policy research think tank dedicated to develop itself into a repository of knowledge on Nepal’s foreign policy and international relations and provide support, as necessary and appropriate, to the government of Nepal, particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. IFA undertake study and research on vital and strategic issues relating to foreign policy and international relations. IFA also provides training needs of Nepali foreign affairs officials of the Government of Nepal, as well as updates and compiling historic documents and information on Nepal’s relations with foreign countries.

Founded as an integral part of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993, it was reconstituted as a semi-autonomous body in the year 2012. The Minister of Foreign Affairs heads the development board of the institute and the Foreign Secretary represents the ministry as an ex-officio member of the board. IFA partners with governmental and non-governmental organizations, at home and abroad, to realize its objectives relating to foreign policy issues and its interactions with political, economic, social, cultural, and environmental aspects. Besides organizing seminars, workshops, meetings, and conferences and publishing out relevant studies, the IFA is engaged in becoming a repository of information on Nepal’s foreign policy issues.

Mr Rajendra Pandey is currently serving as the Acting Executive Director and as a member-secretary of the institute's development board. As an official head of the institute, he leads all important activities including day-to-day affairs. Mr Madhavji Shrestha is the senior Resource person who is assisting to develop and implement plans. Mr Matrika Poudyal is the Resource Officer who has been assigned with the duty of the Spokesperson of the institute. He looks after the administrative duties as he has been assigned with. He also works to foster collaboration with stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the IFA. Mr Sanuraja Puri has been assigned with the duty for Information Desk. He works as the Information Officer as well. Mr Mahendra Prasad Joshi has the responsibility of logistic department. Ms Binita Shrestha is assistant account. Mr Dron Prasad Lamichhane is the Administrative Assistant who assists Mr Poudyal in administrative duties. Several other professional and support staffs also work under the control and direction of the Executive Director.