Diplomatic Leaders Evaluating Nepal-India Bilateral Relationship
India and Nepal Prepare for High-Level Meetings
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is currently in Kathmandu, Nepal, for a two-day visit as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries. This visit comes ahead of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli's scheduled visit to India on September 16-17, 2025.
During his meetings with Nepali counterparts, Mr. Misri reaffirmed the deep civilizational ties and strong India-Nepal partnership. He discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation across various sectors, including trade, tourism, information technology, connectivity, hydropower, and border management.
A significant focus of the discussions will be on enhancing direct air connectivity, notably between Nepalgunj and Delhi. This improvement is expected to benefit Western Nepal and improve transport links crucial for both countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet Mr. Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The meetings aim to build a new foundation of trust and goodwill to accelerate cooperation and partnership between India and Nepal.
The agenda for the meetings includes strengthening trade and tourism cooperation, enhancing information technology collaboration, improving connectivity, discussing hydropower development and border issues, reviewing the status and challenges of ongoing India-funded projects in Nepal, and exploring new projects.
The visit follows PM Oli’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in China and comes at a time when Nepal seeks to strengthen its diplomatic ties with its neighbors. This underscores the strategic importance of the India-Nepal relationship in the region.
The site of the meeting, Bodh Gaya, is a site of deep spiritual and cultural significance. It is believed to be where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
During his visit, Mr. Misri also called on high-level Nepali dignitaries, including President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. The Indian embassy stated that Mr. Misri's visit reaffirms the commitment to the Neighbourhood First policy.
The visit is not directly related to the heavy rains battering Maharashtra or any specific crop damage or casualties in Nepal. However, it is expected to provide an opportunity to further strengthen and advance bilateral relations.
Mr. Misri will also meet Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal "Prachanda." The talks focused on various aspects of the Nepal-India partnership, including connectivity and development cooperation.
The meetings aim to prepare for Prime Minister Oli's visit to India, which is scheduled to take place in September. This visit is expected to mark a significant step forward in the India-Nepal partnership and further strengthen the strategic ties between the two nations.
[1] Ministry of External Affairs press release [2] Indian embassy statement [3] Nepali Times article [4] Kathmandu Post article [5] Himalayan Times article
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