Nepal, India discuss agenda for PM Shah’s Upcoming India visit

Nepal and India have discussed possible outcomes and initiatives for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s upcoming visit to India during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s two-day visit to Kathmandu.

Misri visited Nepal on November 4-5 at the invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, according to a joint press release issued by the two countries on Thursday.

During his meeting with Prime Minister Shah, Misri conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and highlighted progress in bilateral cooperation. The two sides also discussed possible outcomes and initiatives in the context of Shah’s upcoming India visit.

Misri held separate meetings with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal.

During delegation-level talks with Foreign Secretary Rai on November 4, the two sides reviewed ongoing cooperation and discussed ways to strengthen the bilateral partnership.

The discussions covered trade and commerce, hydropower, energy, physical connectivity, border management, development cooperation and people-to-people ties. Both sides also identified emerging areas for collaboration, including start-ups, digital connectivity, artificial intelligence and sports.

Nepali leaders expressed gratitude for India’s humanitarian and technical assistance following the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi floods, the statement said.

Misri also interacted with members of the Nepal-India Parliamentary Friendship Group and the Parliamentary Committee on International Relations and Tourism.

The visit was part of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries aimed at advancing bilateral relations.