Kathmandu: The Government of Japan has conferred former Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star under the 2026 Spring Conferment of Decorations on Foreign Nationals. They recognized his significant contribution to strengthening Nepal–Japan relations.
According to Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bhattarai was honored for his dedicated efforts in deepening bilateral ties and promoting friendship between Nepal and Japan throughout his distinguished diplomatic career.
Bhattarai, who previously served as Nepal’s ambassador to Japan, held several key diplomatic positions over his four-decade-long service. In addition to serving as Foreign Secretary from 2009 to 2011, he also represented Nepal as ambassador to Germany and served in various Nepali missions abroad. Following his retirement from active diplomatic service, he went on to serve as an adviser to former President Bidya Devi Bhandari.
Bhattarai began his diplomatic journey in 1977 after securing first position in the Public Service Commission examination and joining Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a Section Officer. During his career, he served as head of mission at Nepali embassies in New Delhi and Dhaka, first secretary in New Delhi, and consul general in Kolkata, among other assignments. Before entering government service, Bhattarai was also actively involved in teaching and journalism.
