India Proposes Vikram Misri Visit To Kathmandu Ahead Of Nepal PM Engagements

India has reportedly proposed a visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Kathmandu on May 11–12 as part of ongoing diplomatic consultations ahead of broader high-level engagements between the two countries, according to Nepalese media reports on Monday. The proposed visit is expected to take place amid efforts to coordinate agendas for upcoming bilateral discussions at the leadership level.

Citing diplomatic sources within Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nepali Embassy in India, The Kathmandu Post reported that the Indian side has suggested the dates for the visit and is currently awaiting an official response from Kathmandu. The development comes as both countries continue to align priorities for upcoming exchanges and institutional dialogue mechanisms.

According to the report, Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai has already extended a formal invitation to Foreign Secretary Misri following communication from the Indian side. The planned engagement is being viewed as part of preparatory diplomacy ahead of a proposed visit by newly elected Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah to India. Shah has already received an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and has accepted it, according to earlier statements by Nepal’s Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal.

Also Read: Nepal Government Moves To Fortnightly Salary System For Employees To Boost Economy

Khanal has indicated that the prime minister’s visit may take some time to finalize, as Nepal’s new government focuses on setting domestic priorities first. He also noted that several technical mechanisms between the two countries would need to be activated to prepare the agenda. Nepal and India currently maintain around 40 bilateral mechanisms covering areas such as security, water resources, irrigation, border management, boundary issues, trade, commerce, and agriculture.

In recent weeks, Kathmandu has witnessed increased diplomatic activity following the formation of the new government on March 27. Nepal has hosted senior-level visits from the United States and China, alongside preparations for further engagement with India. These visits reflect a broader period of regional diplomatic outreach involving major partners.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Khanal has also been reviewing India-supported development projects and consulting with officials on their progress and future cooperation areas. India remains one of Nepal’s key development partners, providing US$107.8 million in assistance during fiscal year 2024–25, according to Nepal’s finance ministry, making it the largest bilateral donor during the period.

Also Read: Nepal PM Balen Shah Revises Cabinet Hierarchy, No Change in Portfolios