India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, made his first official visit to Nepal on August 11 and 12, 2024. This visit, coming shortly after Misri assumed his position as Foreign Secretary, holds significant diplomatic weight, particularly considering his extensive experience with China, where he served twice as an ambassador and deputy chief of mission. Misri’s visit to Nepal, given China’s increasing influence in the region, is seen as a strategic move by India to reinforce its ties with Nepal and counterbalance China’s growing presence.

The visit was at the invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Seva Lamsal. During his stay, Misri engaged in discussions with high-ranking government officials and senior political leaders in Nepal. These meetings focused on multi-dimensional cooperation between India and Nepal, reviewing the progress of bilateral initiatives and development projects, and exploring further opportunities for collaboration.

Misri paid courtesy calls on Nepal’s Honorable President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, where they held in-depth discussions on strengthening the bilateral relationship. Additionally, Misri met with Nepal’s Deputy Prime Ministers, Home Minister, Finance Minister, and Foreign Minister, emphasizing the importance of the partnership between the two nations.

During the visit, key topics of discussion included energy cooperation, connectivity projects, and cultural reconstruction initiatives between India and Nepal. One of the highlights of the visit was the inauguration of a historic building reconstruction project in the Raktakali area of Kathmandu, funded by India, underscoring the cultural ties between the two countries.

This visit by Misri is seen as a crucial step in bolstering Indo-Nepal relations and maintaining a strategic balance in light of China’s growing influence. India continues to uphold its “Neighborhood First” policy, recognizing Nepal as a key partner, and this visit has reinforced India’s strategic presence in the region.

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Timeline of Misri’s Visit to Nepal:

August 11, 2024:

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu at the invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Seva Lamsal, marking his first official visit to Nepal in this role.

Misri held discussions with Lamsal, reviewing various aspects of the India-Nepal relationship, including bilateral initiatives and the progress of development projects. Lamsal also hosted a luncheon in honor of the Indian delegation.

August 12, 2024:

Misri paid courtesy calls on Nepal’s Honorable President Ram Chandra Poudel and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. He conveyed India’s commitment to strengthening the bilateral relationship and briefed both leaders on the progress of ongoing initiatives.

Misri also held courtesy meetings with Deputy Prime Ministers Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. These meetings focused on reinforcing mutually beneficial areas of cooperation between India and Nepal.

During these discussions, both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening historical, cultural, civilizational, and people-to-people ties between India and Nepal.

Additionally, Misri met with other senior political leaders and members of Nepalese civil society.

Alongside Maniram Gelal, Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development, Misri jointly inaugurated the historic residential building ‘Nepal Bhasa Parishad’ in the Raktakali area of Kathmandu. This project is one of 28 cultural reconstruction initiatives being carried out with the support of the Indian government.

This visit by Misri is expected to contribute significantly to the continuity of high-level exchanges between India and Nepal, further advancing their bilateral relationship.