India and Nepal Officially Confirm Jaishankar’s Nepal Visit for 7th Joint Commission Meeting

India and Nepal have officially declared the upcoming visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, to Kathmandu from January 4th to 5th. The visit is set to mark the 7th joint commission meeting between the two nations, reaffirming their commitment to enhancing diplomatic ties.

In a press release, India’s External Affairs Ministry shared the details of the visit, stating, “External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will visit Kathmandu from January 04-05, 2024, on the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Nepal, Mr. N.P. Saud, for co-chairing the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission.” The Joint Commission, established in 1987, serves as a crucial platform for both countries to comprehensively review and strengthen their bilateral partnership.

The press release further outlined the agenda for Dr. Jaishankar’s visit, stating, “During the visit, EAM will also call on the leadership of Nepal and meet prominent political figures.” This emphasizes the importance of high-level exchanges between the two neighboring nations and reinforces Nepal’s position as a priority partner under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

Similarly,  Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued its press release, providing additional details about the upcoming joint commission meeting. “The Seventh Meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission is being held in Kathmandu on January 04-05, 2024,” the release stated. Honorable Mr. N.P. Saud, Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, and His Excellency Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s Minister of External Affairs, will co-chair the meeting, leading their respective delegations.

The agenda for the Joint Commission Meeting includes a comprehensive review of the overall state of bilateral relations and various areas of mutual cooperation. The release also highlighted Dr. Jaishankar’s courtesy calls on the Rt. Honourable President Mr. Ramchandra Paudel and the Rt. Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’ Additionally, a dinner will be hosted in honor of the visiting dignitary and his delegation.

The visit comes at a crucial time, underscoring the commitment of both nations to nurturing their historical ties. It is expected that the discussions during the Joint Commission Meeting will pave the way for increased collaboration and cooperation across various sectors.

As Dr. Jaishankar’s departure is scheduled for January 5, 2024, the visit is anticipated to yield significant outcomes, contributing to the continued growth of the diplomatic relationship between India and Nepal. The joint efforts to strengthen ties reflect the shared commitment to regional stability and prosperity.