India and Nepal have taken another step towards strengthening their longstanding bilateral relationship, with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meeting Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation across several sectors, including trade, energy, sports and education, while exploring ways to deepen the existing partnership between the two neighbouring countries.
According to a statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the meeting covered various aspects of the historical friendship and mutual cooperation between India and Nepal. Both sides expressed interest in expanding areas of collaboration and strengthening their multifaceted partnership.
During the meeting, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal expressed confidence that the close relationship between the two countries would reach new heights. The discussions also highlighted the importance of maintaining regular diplomatic engagement and building stronger cooperation in areas of shared interest.
Misri arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday morning for a two-day official visit to Nepal. He visited the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he held a courtesy meeting with Khanal. The visit is being viewed as an important diplomatic engagement aimed at maintaining momentum in bilateral relations.
One of the key objectives of Misri's visit is reportedly to prepare the ground for Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah's proposed visit to India. According to diplomatic sources, Shah may travel to India during the last week of November on an official visit. Misri's meetings in Kathmandu are expected to help facilitate discussions ahead of that visit.
There are also possibilities of a meeting between the Indian Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister Shah during his stay in Nepal. Such an interaction could provide an opportunity to discuss important bilateral issues and identify areas for further cooperation.
Misri is visiting Nepal at the invitation of Nepal's Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. Upon his arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, he was welcomed by Gehendraraj Bhandari, Joint Secretary at Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with India's newly appointed Ambassador to Nepal, Sudhakar Dalela.
This is Misri's second visit to Kathmandu since he assumed office as India's Foreign Secretary in July 2024. His latest visit comes at a time when both countries are looking to strengthen their economic, diplomatic and strategic engagement.
India and Nepal share deep historical, cultural and geographical connections. Their relationship also plays an important role in regional connectivity, cross-border trade, energy cooperation and people-to-people exchanges.
The latest diplomatic engagement is expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation between the two neighbouring nations.
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