World · South & Central Asia · 1 hr ago
Nepal PM Balendra Shah expected to visit India in late November
Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to visit India in late November.
The trip, expected around November 22, would be his first bilateral foreign visit as prime minister.
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is due in Kathmandu on November 4 to prepare the agenda and review ties with Nepalese officials.
The two sides are expected to discuss trade, connectivity, border security and education, among other issues.
Nepal’s government has called for a reset in relations, which have faced friction over border claims involving Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani.
Shah’s visit could bring progress on development projects and new Indian assistance for Nepal’s economy and flood reconstruction.
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to visit India in late November for his first bilateral foreign trip.
The visit is expected to focus on trade, economic ties, connectivity, border management and existing bilateral agreements.
Nepal is expected to seek Indian financial assistance for flood reconstruction, new hydropower investment and progress on delayed infrastructure projects.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to visit Kathmandu on November 4 to help prepare the agenda.
The visit comes after months of diplomatic friction, including differences over the disputed border region of Lipulekh.
- Who
- Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to visit India.
- What
- He is expected to hold his first bilateral foreign visit and seek progress on economic and infrastructure issues.
- When
- In late November, possibly around November 22; dates have not been formally announced.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To discuss bilateral ties, including trade, investment, flood reconstruction, connectivity and infrastructure projects.
Nepal
India
Role of third parties in border disputes
Nepal
Nepal’s foreign minister said Nepal wants to handle border disputes through existing mechanisms.
India
India ruled out any role for third parties.
Misri’s planned visit to Nepal was postponed, reportedly after Shah did not agree to meet him.
RSP leader Rabi Lamichhane and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal visited India.
Shah made his only multilateral foreign trip as prime minister, travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly.
Nepal’s ambassador-designate to India, Sudhakar Dalela, is expected to arrive in Kathmandu.
Misri is expected to visit Kathmandu to help prepare the agenda for Shah’s visit.
Shah is expected to visit India, though the dates have not been formally announced.
- Expected visit
- Late November; possibly around November 22
- Nepal prime minister
- Balendra Shah
- Indian foreign secretary
- Vikram Misri
- Expected Kathmandu arrival
- Sudhakar Dalela on November 3
- Expected Misri visit
- November 4
- Potential Nepal requests
- Flood reconstruction aid, hydropower investment and faster progress on stalled infrastructure projects
2 sources
What people are saying
away from geopolitical friction
constrained by the anxieties of the past