Indian Envoy Meets Nepal’s New Foreign Minister to Strengthen Ties

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava paid a courtesy call on Nepal’s newly-appointed Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, in one of the first high-level diplomatic engagements since Khanal assumed office on March 27. During the meeting, Srivastava conveyed warm congratulations and best wishes from India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Khanal’s appointment and reaffirmed India’s readiness to work closely with Nepal’s new leadership.

According to a statement from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two officials discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation and ways to further strengthen the long-standing ties between the two neighbours. The talks focused on key areas of mutual interest, including regional connectivity , energy trade , and ongoing development projects in Nepal supported by India. Both sides emphasised the importance of continued collaboration on shared priorities, highlighting India’s commitment to supporting Nepal’s development efforts in sectors such as infrastructure, power, and capacity building.

Khanal, who assumed office under the government of Prime Minister Balen Shah , reiterated Nepal’s policy of maintaining friendly and balanced relations with all countries while safeguarding its sovereignty and mutual respect. Srivastava and Khanal also underlined the significance of deepening people-to-people links and enhancing a comprehensive partnership that reflects the cultural, economic, and historical bonds between India and Nepal. Jaishankar had also extended his greetings to Khanal on the day he took office, expressing his desire to work closely with his Nepalese counterpart to strengthen the traditional partnership. The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue regular consultations and cooperation to advance the bilateral relationship in the months ahead.