Kathmandu, Nov 4: India and Nepal on Wednesday held a series of high-level discussions to strengthen bilateral relations and advance cooperation across key sectors, as Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri began a two-day visit to Kathmandu ahead of Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposed trip to New Delhi later this month.
Misri met Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. He also held delegation-level talks with Nepali Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.
The discussions covered a wide range of issues, including political engagement, trade, connectivity, development cooperation, energy, water resources and people-to-people relations. Both sides also reviewed ongoing projects and explored initiatives that could be taken forward during Shah’s anticipated visit to India.
Talks focus on preparations for Prime Minister’s India visit
The meeting between Misri and Rai assumed significance in view of the proposed visit of the Nepali Prime Minister to India.
According to the Indian Embassy in Nepal, the two Foreign Secretaries discussed matters of mutual interest and reviewed preparations for the upcoming high-level engagement.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions covered the full spectrum of bilateral relations, including high-level exchanges, trade, connectivity, development partnership and energy cooperation.
Kathmandu is understood to be keen on advancing several pending issues during Shah’s visit, including the longstanding border dispute, revision of the trade treaty and the provision of additional air-entry points for international flights through India.
Nepal is also expected to seek substantial Indian assistance for recovery and reconstruction following the devastating floods of August 26.
During the discussions, Misri reportedly conveyed India’s readiness to consider Nepal’s requests for support in post-disaster recovery and reconstruction.
He underlined the special nature of the relationship, saying India and Nepal stood by each other in both good and difficult times.
Rai described the visit as important for preparing the ground for the Nepali Prime Minister’s proposed trip to India.
Energy cooperation emerges as a key priority
Energy cooperation featured prominently during Misri’s meeting with Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha.
The two sides discussed expanding cross-border electricity trade, accelerating ongoing hydropower projects and encouraging greater private-sector investment in Nepal’s energy sector.
According to the minister’s secretariat, Shrestha thanked India for its assistance during Nepal’s recent natural disasters and called for stronger cooperation in the energy sector.
He also stressed the need to facilitate the timely completion of ongoing projects and expand opportunities for electricity trade between the two neighbouring countries.
Misri said India was ready to work with Nepal in the energy sector. Discussions also covered early warning systems, disaster preparedness and cooperation in water resources.
The Indian Embassy said both sides reviewed ongoing initiatives and explored ways to deepen collaboration in energy and water-related sectors.
Economic partnership and trade on agenda
Misri also met Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, with the discussions focusing on strengthening the countries’ comprehensive economic partnership.
The Indian Embassy described the interaction as a substantive exchange of views on expanding cooperation across the economic relationship.
Trade and investment are important components of India-Nepal ties, with both countries seeking to improve connectivity and facilitate greater cross-border economic activity.
The proposed revision of the bilateral trade treaty is among the issues Kathmandu is expected to pursue during the Nepali Prime Minister’s visit to India.
Khanal calls for stronger multidimensional partnership
Earlier, Misri held talks with Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen the longstanding friendship and broaden cooperation in areas including energy, aviation, trade, sports and education.
According to Khanal’s Secretariat, the Nepali Foreign Minister expressed confidence that the close relationship between the two countries would reach new heights.
The meetings reflected efforts by both governments to maintain regular high-level engagement and address issues of shared interest.
Misri’s visit expected to pave way for Shah’s trip
Misri arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning for the two-day official visit. Local media reports said he was also scheduled to meet Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Thursday before returning to New Delhi.
He is also expected to convey an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Shah to visit India.
The visit comes at an important time for India-Nepal relations, with both sides looking to strengthen cooperation while addressing pending bilateral concerns.
The proposed high-level engagement later this month is expected to provide an opportunity to take forward discussions on trade, connectivity, energy, development assistance and regional cooperation.