India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Visit Nepal Ahead of PM Shah’s India Trip

KATHMANDU: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Kathmandu on November 4 as Nepal and India step up preparations for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s expected official visit to New Delhi later in November.

According to a report published by The Kathmandu Post on Thursday, Shah’s visit is likely to take place around November 22, although neither government has formally announced the date.

Misri’s visit is expected to focus on preparations for the prime minister’s trip, including discussions on the agenda and possible outcomes of the high-level engagement. He is scheduled to return to New Delhi on November 6, according to the report.

During his visit, Misri is expected to convey Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s formal invitation to Shah. The two governments are also preparing for meetings between senior officials ahead of the proposed visit.

Shah’s trip would be his first official bilateral visit abroad since taking office on March 27. The two countries have been discussing the visit’s timing and agenda, with Nepal’s Foreign Ministry previously saying that preparations were under way but the date had not been finalised.

The visit is expected to provide an opportunity for Nepal and India to discuss bilateral cooperation and identify potential outcomes. According to The Kathmandu Post, plans are also being considered for inaugurating India-funded projects, launching new projects and announcing additional assistance, including support for reconstruction following the recent Bhotekoshi floods.

Meanwhile, India’s newly appointed ambassador to Nepal, Sudhakar Dalela, is scheduled to arrive in Kathmandu on November 3 to take up his diplomatic assignment. He will succeed Naveen Srivastava, who has completed his tenure.

Dalela is a senior Indian Foreign Service officer who previously served as India’s ambassador to Bhutan and held positions dealing with Nepal and Bhutan at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. His arrival comes as the two neighbours prepare for renewed high-level engagement.