Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Nepal to prepare for Prime Minister's trip
The two-day visit aims to lay the groundwork for Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah's expected visit to India later this month.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will undertake a two-day official visit to Nepal on November 4 and 5, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The visit is intended to discuss bilateral, regional, and global matters of mutual interest between the two nations.
According to The Indian Express, the trip aims to prepare for a likely visit to India by Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah, possibly between November 22 and 24. The MEA stated that the two countries share strong, friendly ties and that this visit continues the tradition of high-level exchanges to enhance their partnership.
During the visit, officials are expected to focus on improving cross-border links, such as transport networks and power infrastructure. Sources noted that clean-energy cooperation is a priority, with Nepal aiming for 35,000 MW of power over the next nine years through various projects.
The discussions may also cover updating the trade treaty to include services, investment protection, and the movement of components. Additionally, the visit provides an opportunity to discuss relief efforts following the August 26 flash floods, which left at least 270 Indians missing.
The diplomatic engagement follows previous friction, including remarks by Prime Minister Shah regarding third-party involvement in a boundary dispute. The New Indian Express reported that New Delhi has rejected such suggestions, maintaining that boundary issues must be resolved through direct bilateral mechanisms.