Nepal-India talks: Vikram Misri meets Amrit Bahadur Rai ahead of PM Balendra Shah visit

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held wide-ranging talks in Kathmandu with Nepal Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The discussions aimed to prepare for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s forthcoming visit to India. Both sides reviewed core areas of cooperation and key engagements. Officials described the exchanges as part of efforts to keep Nepal-India ties steady and forward-looking.

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Nepal’s foreign ministry said the talks covered the full span of Nepal-India relations. The agenda included high-level visits, connectivity links, trade, development cooperation, energy, and people-to-people contacts. The Indian Embassy in Nepal also noted on X that the meeting supported preparations. Sources said both Foreign Ministries are working on Shah’s travel plan.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah visit to India planning in Nepal-India talks

Sources said Prime Minister Shah is expected to visit India in the last week of November. The trip is set to be Shah’s first to any neighbouring country since taking office in March. Misri is in Nepal for two days. The visit followed an invitation from Foreign Secretary Rai, according to the information shared by officials.

Misri paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal during the visit. Nepal’s foreign ministry said the meeting focused on deepening the multifaceted partnership. Officials also discussed the long-running friendship between Nepal and India. The ministry said Khanal expected the close relationship to reach new heights. The talks referred to upcoming high-level engagements.

Energy, trade and development cooperation in Nepal-India talks

Nepal’s foreign ministry said both sides discussed cooperation in energy, trade, sports, and education. The stated aim was to further strengthen multifaceted relations. Officials also spoke about reinforcing historical ties. The Indian mission said Misri called on Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. The meeting reviewed ongoing projects and possible next steps.

According to the energy minister’s secretariat, the talks covered energy trade and hydropower construction. Disaster mitigation and early warning systems also came up. Shrestha thanked India for support during recent disasters. Shrestha asked India to expand power trade and finish assistance projects. Shrestha also sought higher private sector investment from India.

Misri said India was ready to collaborate with Nepal in the energy sector, the minister’s office said. Misri also paid a courtesy call on Finance Minister Swarnim Wagley. The Indian Embassy said the meeting involved detailed views on boosting economic ties. Officials discussed the broader economic partnership and possible areas for further work.

Connectivity and strategic context in Nepal-India talks

The Indian mission said Misri met Minister of Infrastructure Development Sunil Lamsal as well. The ministry said Lamsal shared views on stronger cooperation in infrastructure and connectivity. Officials have often linked these themes to trade and transit. Nepal is land-locked and depends on India for transport of goods and services. Nepal’s sea access is through India.

Officials have also framed ties through the "Roti Beti\" relationship, which leaders mention often. At the same time, relations faced unease in May after Shah’s comments. Shah sought the involvement of China and the UK on a border dispute. New Delhi rejected any third-party role. India said an established bilateral mechanism addresses border issues.

Nepal and India have a long dispute over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani. India has consistently said these territories are part of Uttarakhand. The current round of meetings in Kathmandu covered practical cooperation and upcoming visits. Officials said preparations for Shah’s visit are continuing through diplomatic channels. The discussions also reflected the wider economic and strategic importance of the relationship.

With inputs from PTI