India's Minister of Power, Housing, and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, arrived in Kathmandu today for a two-day official visit to Nepal. The visit comes at the invitation of Nepal's Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka. Minister Khattar was welcomed at Tribhuvan International Airport by senior officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Energy and the Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava.

This visit follows an invitation extended by Minister Khadka during his visit to India on February 13, 2025. Minister Khattar’s arrival marks a significant step forward in bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India, especially in the field of energy and infrastructure development.

On the same day, Ministers Khattar and Khadka are scheduled to jointly inaugurate key sections of the India-assisted Koshi Corridor 220 kV Transmission Line Project at Tumlingtar in Sankhuwasabha. This includes the Inaruwa–Basantpur–Baneshwar–Tumlingtar 220 kV transmission line, as well as the Tumlingtar (220/133/33 kV), Baneshwar (220/33 kV), and Basantpur (220/133/33 kV) substations.

In addition, Minister Khattar will visit the powerhouse and dam site of the India-constructed Arun III Hydropower Project. A memorandum of understanding is also set to be signed for the establishment of a joint company between Nepal and India for the construction of future cross-border transmission lines, laying the foundation for long-term energy trade and strategic cooperation.

On Wednesday, Minister Khattar is scheduled to travel to Muktinath in Mustang, a site of religious and cultural significance. He will also pay courtesy calls on former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh. The visit will conclude with a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple, after which Minister Khattar will return to India.

Minister Khattar’s visit signifies a major diplomatic and strategic move in Nepal–India relations, particularly in the energy sector. Projects like Arun III and the Koshi Corridor are key milestones in deepening cross-border power cooperation, helping Nepal to strengthen its electricity transmission infrastructure and move towards becoming an energy-exporting nation.

This visit reflects the growing mutual trust and engagement between the two countries. By blending economic partnerships with cultural and religious diplomacy, India and Nepal are forging a relationship that goes beyond traditional boundaries. Minister Khattar’s high-level visit is a strong signal of India’s commitment to Nepal’s energy development and bilateral progress.

India In Nepal