KATHMANDU: Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mishri, who arrived in Kathmandu this morning on a two-day official visit, is scheduled to hold several high-level meetings today.
His visit comes as part of preparations for an upcoming official trip by Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India.
Mishri’s visit follows an invitation extended by Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, and he is expected to formally hand over an invitation to Prime Minister Oli on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
According to diplomatic sources, Mishri will meet with President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, and other senior political leaders.
The discussions are expected to focus on the agenda for Prime Minister Oli’s scheduled visit to India on August 29.
Mishri is currently staying at the Soaltee Hotel. From there, he will proceed to meet Prime Minister Oli, followed by a visit to Sheetal Niwas to meet President Paudel. Later, after his meeting with Foreign Minister Rana, formal bilateral talks will commence.
During these meetings, the Foreign Secretaries of Nepal and India will review and discuss various aspects of Nepal-India relations, including cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and regional development.
Following the official engagements, Foreign Secretary Mishri is expected to visit the Pashupatinath Temple before returning to India.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has described the visit as part of the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two neighbors, stating: “This visit will provide an opportunity to further strengthen and advance bilateral relations. Nepal holds a high priority under India’s Neighborhood First Policy.”
This visit also serves as groundwork for a planned meeting between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a site of deep spiritual and cultural significance, believed to be the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment.
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