Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri Concludes Official Visit to Nepal, Strengthens Bilateral Ties

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his two-day official visit to Nepal from August 11-12, 2024, at the invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Ms. Sewa Lamsal. This visit marked Misri’s first trip to Nepal since assuming office last month.

During his stay, Foreign Secretary Misri held extensive discussions with his counterpart, Ms. Lamsal, covering various aspects of the multifaceted cooperation between India and Nepal. They reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral initiatives and developmental projects, exploring further opportunities for collaboration. Ms. Lamsal also hosted a lunch for the visiting delegation.

On his first day, Misri called on Nepal’s President, H.E. Mr. Ramchandra Paudel, and Prime Minister, H.E. Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli, conveying greetings from India’s leadership and briefing them on the advancements in bilateral cooperation.

The following day, Misri met with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development H.E. Mr. Prakash Man Singh, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance H.E. Mr. Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Minister for Home Affairs H.E. Mr. Ramesh Lekhak, and Minister for Foreign Affairs H.E. Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba. Discussions centered on enhancing India-Nepal cooperation in various mutually beneficial areas.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in bilateral cooperation, particularly in connectivity, infrastructure, and power sector partnerships. The notable increase in Nepal’s hydropower exports to India, contributing to Nepal’s revenue and clean energy for India, was highlighted as a key achievement. The role of this cooperation in Nepal’s planned graduation from LDC status in 2026 was also emphasized.

During his visit, Misri, alongside Mr. Mani Ram Gelal, Secretary of Nepal’s Ministry of Urban Development, jointly inaugurated the ‘Nepal Bhasa Parishad,’ a historic residential building in Kathmandu associated with the renowned Nepali poet Kavi Kesari Chittadhar ‘Hridaya.’ This reconstruction project is one of 28 cultural sector initiatives supported by the Indian government following the 2015 earthquake.

Nepal remains a priority partner for India under its Neighbourhood First policy, and Misri’s visit reinforced the tradition of regular high-level exchanges, further advancing bilateral ties between the two countries.