Foreign Secretary to visit Kathmandu as preparations begin for Nepal Prime Minister's India trip

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is expected to visit Kathmandu on November 4 to finalize details regarding Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah's planned bilateral trip to India, according to a Nepali diplomatic source reported by The Hindu. The visit is intended to lay the groundwork for Mr. Shah's anticipated visit by the end of the year, alongside newly designated Indian ambassador Sudhakar Dalela.

Diplomatic Engagements and Visits

• Previous High-Level Contacts: Several Nepali ministers have traveled to New Delhi in recent months, including Foreign Minister Sisir Khanal, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, and Home Minister Sudan Gurung.
• Party Leadership Travels: RSP chairman Rabi Lamichhane previously visited New Delhi and met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June. Mr. Lamichhane recently undertook a personal pilgrimage to religious sites in Uttarakhand and Guwahati.
• Ambassadorial Appointments: Nepal's new government implemented a public application process for ambassadorial posts, with Nischal Nath Pandey awaiting diplomatic clearance from India for his posting in Delhi.

Domestic Priorities and Bilateral Agenda

• Flood Aftermath and Recovery: Mr. Shah's administration continues to address the aftermath of devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi River, an issue expected to be reviewed during Mr. Misri's visit concerning disaster management and affected families.
• Electricity Exports: The Nepal Electricity Authority reported a recovery in electricity exports to India, valued at $39 million a month following brief disruptions from August flash floods.
• Administrative Reforms: The seven-month-old government is pursuing administrative changes, including an ordinance to revise the government retirement age to 55 years.

Observers can verify original announcements through official statements from the Ministry of External Affairs of India and Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.