- India formally invited Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah for an official visit to enhance high-level diplomatic ties between the neighbors.
- Indian spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the invitation, noting that officials are now finalizing the schedule and bilateral cooperation agenda.
- The visit will focus on trade, energy, infrastructure development, and connectivity to boost economic growth and mutual trust.
- This first official trip since assuming office provides an opportunity for both governments to establish closer leadership relations.
Kathmandu, Nepal: India has formally confirmed that it has extended an invitation to Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah for an official visit to India, opening the way for high-level diplomatic engagement between the two neighbouring countries.
Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the invitation during a regular press briefing at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi on Tuesday.
Responding to a question about whether Nepal’s prime minister had been invited to visit India, Jaiswal said, “Yes, an invitation has been sent to Nepal’s prime minister to visit India.”
Although the Indian government has not disclosed details regarding the proposed visit, including the date, duration, and agenda, the possibility of Prime Minister Shah’s visit had already been reported by Review Nepal.
According to diplomatic sources, Prime Minister Shah has been invited to visit India at the earliest possible date convenient for both sides. Following the formal invitation, officials from Nepal and India have begun consultations to finalise the schedule, discussion agenda, and possible areas of bilateral cooperation.
The proposed visit is expected to focus on strengthening Nepal-India relations and reviewing key issues of mutual interest. Discussions may include bilateral trade, investment, energy cooperation, infrastructure development, cross-border connectivity, tourism, security concerns, and matters related to citizens of both countries.
The visit would be Prime Minister Shah’s first official trip to India after assuming office and is expected to provide an opportunity for both governments to establish closer working relations with each other’s leadership.
Nepal and India share a unique relationship based on geographical proximity, historical ties, cultural connections, and extensive people-to-people relations. The two countries maintain an open border and have deep economic and social links. However, bilateral relations have also faced challenges in recent years, including differences over border issues, trade concerns, and political sensitivities.
Diplomatic observers believe that Prime Minister Shah’s visit could help strengthen mutual trust and provide fresh momentum to Nepal-India relations. They also expect the discussions to create opportunities for new agreements and greater cooperation in areas important for Nepal’s economic development.
The final date and detailed agenda of the visit are expected to be announced after further diplomatic consultations between Kathmandu and New Delhi.
