Nepal PM Shah To Visit India As Kathmandu Prepares For ‘Result-Oriented’ Trip

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah will make a “meaningful” and “result-oriented” visit to India at an appropriate time, although a date for the trip has not yet been finalised, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport after returning from the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Khanal said both Nepal and India were positive about the proposed visit and were working towards making it fruitful.

“Nepal and India both sides are waiting for a result-oriented and meaningful visit of Prime Minister Balendra Shah to India,” Khanal said. He added that although both sides were positive about the visit, the date for Shah’s official trip had not been decided.

Khanal said India invited Shah soon after the formation of Nepal’s new government and that Kathmandu had responded positively. Preparations for the visit are now under way, with Nepal planning to present its priorities to both India and China based on the government’s approach to relations with its two neighbours.

The foreign minister’s comments came a day after outgoing Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava held a farewell meeting with Shah. According to Nepalese officials cited by The Kathmandu Post, the two sides have also begun discussions on possible outcomes and deliverables for the proposed visit. Officials indicated that the trip could take place after the second week of November, although this has not been formally confirmed.

Shah recently returned from New York after attending the UN General Assembly, his first foreign visit since becoming prime minister. He addressed the 81st session on September 24, focusing on Nepal’s concerns over climate change, disasters and the challenges faced by mountain communities.

He also highlighted the devastating floods that struck Nepal last month and called for climate justice, arguing that Nepal contributes little to global emissions while facing severe consequences from climate-related disasters.

Khanal said Shah’s UN address had attracted considerable international attention. He said Nepal used its participation at the UN to highlight the country’s national priorities, post-disaster situation and climate challenges.

The proposed India trip would be Shah’s first official bilateral visit to India since taking office in March. The timing and agenda of the visit are expected to be finalised through discussions between the two governments.