The cabinet, drawn up by Deuba after a week of tough political bargaining, comprises members of four political parties, it said in a statement.

Among the ministers are 10 members of the Nepal Communist Party-United Marxist and Leninist (NCP-UML), with its leader Bharat Mohan Adhikari as Deputy Prime Minister.

According to the statement, Deuba will handle the portfolios of defence, Royal Palace affairs and the foreign ministry.

Among the new cabinet ministers are two close confidantes of the king, Mohammad Mohsin who got information and communications, and Krishna Lal Thakali, who was given the general administration portfolio.

Ministers from Deuba's party included Purna Bahadur Khadka (home), Dip Kumar Upadhyay (tourism), Hom Nath Dahal (agriculture), Tek Bahadur Chokhyal (law and justice) and economist Prakash Sharan Mahat (junior foreign minister).