Kathmandu – Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held high-level discussions with Nepali officials in Kathmandu on November 4, focusing on preparations for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposed visit to India and expanding cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Misri arrived in Nepal for a two-day official visit at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The two officials held delegation-level talks covering bilateral relations, economic cooperation, infrastructure development and preparations for the prime minister’s anticipated visit later this month.
The discussions focused on strengthening connectivity through roads, railways, aviation, bridges and cross-border infrastructure. Both sides also reviewed trade and transit arrangements, energy cooperation, development projects and people-to-people relations.
Nepal raised the possibility of securing additional Indian financial assistance, including grants and concessional loans, to support infrastructure development and reconstruction following recent flood damage. According to officials cited in media reports, Nepal is seeking an economic assistance package worth more than $2 billion, although no agreement has been finalized.
The two sides also discussed progress on Indian-supported development projects in Nepal, including hydropower facilities, petroleum pipelines, transmission lines and border infrastructure.
Longstanding bilateral issues, including boundary disputes, additional air-entry routes for Nepal and delays in major development projects, were among the matters identified for possible discussion during the prime minister’s visit.
During his stay, Misri separately met Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha and other senior officials to discuss opportunities for cooperation in their respective sectors.
India has expressed readiness to consider Nepal’s proposals for reconstruction and rehabilitation assistance following the Bhotekoshi floods. However, the scale and terms of any support remain subject to further discussions.
Prime Minister Shah’s proposed visit to India is expected during the second half of November, with November 22 to 25 emerging as a possible period. Neither government has formally confirmed the dates.
If the visit proceeds, Shah is expected to meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discuss bilateral cooperation, development assistance and pending projects. Several India-supported infrastructure projects could also feature in possible inauguration ceremonies and new agreements.
Misri’s visit reflects continuing diplomatic preparations between Kathmandu and New Delhi as both governments work to identify priorities and possible outcomes for the anticipated prime ministerial meeting.
