KATHMANDU: Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, Head of the Foreign Affairs Department of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday for a three-day official visit aimed at boosting Nepal-India relations and engaging with key political actors.
A close ally of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chauthaiwale is expected to contribute to efforts to mend the recently strained ties between the two countries.
During his stay, he is scheduled to meet with former Prime Minister and opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, senior figures from the ruling coalition, opposition leaders, and representatives of Madhesh-based parties.
His visit is part of a broader strategy to strengthen connections with all major political forces in Nepal and build goodwill at a time when top-level interactions between the two countries have been minimal, sources said.
According to sources, discussions will center on political collaboration, enhancing regional connectivity, and laying the groundwork for a possible visit to India by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli — a visit that has been under consideration but has not yet materialized.
Chauthaiwale’s engagements are being viewed as confidence-building steps to pave the way for such high-level diplomatic exchanges and ease ongoing tensions. He is scheduled to return to India on Friday.
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