Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Dr. Raju Rana are gearing up for an official visit to China. Meetings are currently underway between officials from the Chinese embassy in Kathmandu and those from the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to finalize the agenda for the trip.

During this visit, the implementation of agreements under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is expected to be signed. Foreign Minister Dr. Rana will travel to Beijing, where discussions will focus on Nepal’s involvement in the BRI, with the goal of finalizing pending agreements. Officials from the Chinese embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been engaged in intense discussions with their Nepali counterparts, aiming to refine the agenda for the visit.

The visit comes at a challenging time, as Nepal's role in the BRI has raised concerns. Many experts believe that the initiative could lead Nepal into a debt trap, making it difficult for the government to convert the massive loans from China into grants. Moreover, unresolved border encroachment issues between Nepal and China have added strain to the diplomatic relationship. There have been instances where Nepali territory has allegedly been encroached upon, further complicating the discussions between the two nations.

Amid these negotiations with China, Nepal’s relationship with India has also become a focal point. Prime Minister Oli has yet to receive an official invitation from the Indian government for a visit, reportedly due to Nepal's growing inclination towards China. India's strategic interests in the region and its cautious approach to Nepal's increasing ties with China have added to the geopolitical complexity.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Amrit Rai, speaking at a Dashain greeting ceremony on Saturday, confirmed that Foreign Minister Dr. Rana would be traveling to Beijing in the first week of November at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Formal announcements regarding the visit and its objectives are expected soon.

This visit is crucial for the Nepal government, especially in light of the ongoing diplomatic and economic challenges. The government's ability to balance relations with both China and India, while addressing internal concerns such as border disputes and financial sustainability under the BRI, will be closely watched.