In a significant diplomatic outreach, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his two-day visit to Nepal, which was marked by high-level meetings with Nepal’s top leadership, including Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli and President Ramchandra Paudel. The visit underscored the deepening of bilateral relations under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, focusing on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors.
During his meetings with Prime Minister Oli and President Paudel, Foreign Secretary Misri reaffirmed the “civilisational, close and multifaceted” ties between India and Nepal. Discussions centered on providing momentum to various collaborative sectors, including infrastructure, connectivity, and cultural exchanges, have been a cornerstone of the India-Nepal relationship. A highlight of the visit was the inauguration of the newly constructed Nepal Bhasha Parishad building in Kathmandu, a project funded by India’s post-earthquake reconstruction grant. This initiative, jointly inaugurated by Foreign Secretary Misri and Nepal’s Urban Development Secretary Maniram Gelal, signifies India’s ongoing commitment to Nepal’s development and recovery efforts.
In a gesture symbolizing shared environmental commitments, Misri also planted a Blue Jacaranda sapling in line with India’s “Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam” campaign. The sapling, locally known as Nili Gulmohar, represents the shared resolve of both nations towards environmental sustainability. Misri’s visit also marked the signing of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). This agreement facilitates the launch of Nepal’s Munal satellite, developed under the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), on India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) at no cost to Nepal. The MoU was signed by MEA’s Joint Secretary (North), Anurag Srivastava, and NSIL Director A. Arunachalam, heralding a new chapter in India-Nepal space cooperation.
In extensive discussions with his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Misri reviewed the status of India-funded projects in Nepal and explored ways to expedite ongoing initiatives. Both sides agreed to continue advancing bilateral engagements, particularly in energy, infrastructure, digital connectivity, and trade. Foreign Minister Arzu Rana highlighted the need to increase air connectivity between the two nations and advocated for establishing a sophisticated laboratory at the border to monitor the quality of agricultural imports from India. Misri assured Nepal of India’s support in these areas, reflecting the ongoing commitment to resolving outstanding issues and strengthening economic ties.
The visit also saw Misri engage with Deputy Prime Ministers Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Paudel, where discussions focused on enhancing infrastructure support and exploring urban development cooperation. Singh particularly emphasized the need for more bridges along the Nepal-India border, including over the Mahakali River, to ease the daily challenges faced by locals. In his meeting with Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Misri discussed measures to curb cross-border criminal activities and enhance security cooperation. Lekhak expressed gratitude for India’s continued support in upgrading the capabilities of Nepal’s police forces.
Misri’s visit, the first official trip to Nepal since assuming his role, is seen as a continuation of the tradition of high-level exchanges between the two neighbours. The MEA emphasized that Nepal remains a priority partner under India’s Neighbourhood First policy, with substantial progress noted in recent years, particularly in the power sector, where increased hydropower exports to India have benefited both nations. The visit concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to furthering the strong historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties that have long been the foundation of India-Nepal relations.
