Kathmandu to Host High-Profile Foreign Delegations from India and the U.S.

Kathmandu is set to welcome two significant foreign delegations by mid-August, marking the first high-level visits from India and the United States since the formation of the KP Sharma Oli government.

New Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is scheduled to visit Kathmandu early next week. Misri, who assumed his role on July 15, succeeding Vinay Mohan Kwatra, will be on his introductory visit. Despite the current situation in Bangladesh, officials have indicated that Misri’s trip is still on track, although it remains unofficially confirmed. Misri’s visit follows a recent trip to Bhutan, as part of a tradition for new foreign secretaries to update themselves on regional relations. During his two-day stay in Kathmandu, Misri is expected to meet with President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana, and his Nepali counterpart, Sewa Lamsal. Although no specific bilateral issues are on the agenda, discussions on mutual interests are anticipated.

In addition, Washington has announced that Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will visit Kathmandu in mid-August. Verma will be the highest-ranking U.S. official to visit Nepal since the new government took office. Although details of his visit are yet to be confirmed, he might meet with senior government officials. Verma recently addressed controversy over claims that the U.S. government had funded efforts to promote atheism in Nepal, affirming that such claims were unfounded and that U.S. grants do not promote any religion or non-religion.

These visits highlight the continued diplomatic engagement between Nepal and its key international partners amid evolving regional dynamics.