Kathmandu, Sept 21: Preparations are underway for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s visit to India, although the formal itinerary has yet to be finalised.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has begun working on possible dates following indications received during Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle’s India visit and reports in Indian media.
The Economic Times and Navbharat Times reported that Shah could visit New Delhi in November at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Shah had earlier said he would begin foreign visits as prime minister in 2027, but the invitation could change his schedule.
The Prime Minister’s Secretariat confirmed that preparations were underway but said neither the date nor the programme had been fixed. The Foreign Ministry is coordinating the process.
During his first India visit, Wagle held talks with experts and think tank representatives at the Research and Information System for Developing Countries in New Delhi. He discussed Nepal–India economic relations, cooperation between industries, job creation and industrial development.
Wagle also called for greater Indian private investment in Nepal. Noting that the last major wave of such investment came about 25 years ago, he said Nepal wanted to attract a new round of Indian capital.
Nepal also seeks to update its bilateral trade and transit arrangements with India. The transit treaty was revised in 2023, followed by understandings to expand rail freight and bulk cargo connectivity.
In meetings with Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Wagle discussed reconstruction following Nepal’s recent devastating flash floods and possible Indian assistance.
If Shah’s visit goes ahead, trade, transit, Indian investment, industrial cooperation and post-disaster reconstruction are expected to feature prominently. However, neither government has formally confirmed a November visit.
Meanwhile, Shah will leave for the United States on Tuesday to lead Nepal’s delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly. He will address the General Debate on September 24, highlighting the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli disaster, reconstruction needs and the climate risks facing mountainous and developing countries.
Shah is also scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres in New York. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal left for New York on Sunday to attend high-level meetings and hold bilateral talks.
People’s News Monitoring Service
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