Vikram Misri Meets Nepal FM Ahead of PM Balendra Shah's India Visit

India and Nepal discuss energy, trade, aviation, education and development cooperation as Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri prepares the ground for PM Balendra Shah’s proposed India visit.

India and Nepal have discussed opportunities to strengthen their longstanding bilateral relationship during a high-level diplomatic meeting in Kathmandu, as both countries prepare for Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposed official visit to New Delhi later this month. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, to review areas of cooperation and advance discussions on the multifaceted partnership between the neighbouring countries.

Misri arrived in Kathmandu for a two-day official visit from November 4 to 5 at the invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. He was welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by Nepal’s Joint Secretary Gehendra Rajbhandari and India’s newly appointed Ambassador to Nepal, Sudhakar Dalela.

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During his meeting with Khanal at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two sides discussed ways to deepen their partnership and strengthen historical and friendly relations. According to Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions covered several areas of mutual interest, including energy, aviation, trade, sports and education. Khanal expressed confidence that the close relationship between the two countries would reach new heights through continued engagement.

The visit is primarily aimed at preparing the ground for Shah’s proposed trip to India, which is expected to take place towards the last week of November. The visit would mark his first bilateral trip to New Delhi since assuming office. Misri is expected to convey an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Shah to visit India.

Beyond the meeting with Khanal, Misri is scheduled to hold delegation-level discussions with his Nepali counterpart Rai. The agenda includes reviewing the full range of bilateral relations, examining Indian-funded development projects in Nepal, discussing a proposed economic assistance package and identifying additional areas for cooperation. He is also scheduled to meet Nepal’s Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and call on Prime Minister Shah before returning to New Delhi on November 5.

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The diplomatic engagement comes amid efforts by both governments to maintain regular high-level exchanges and address issues affecting their relationship. The two countries have extensive cooperation in trade, connectivity, hydropower project, development partnerships and people-to-people relations. Recent diplomatic differences, including disagreements over the Lipulekh border region, have also underscored the importance of continued dialogue.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs said the visit would provide an opportunity to exchange views on bilateral, regional and global issues of mutual interest. The discussions are expected to contribute to preparations for the prime ministerial visit and strengthen cooperation across key sectors.