Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu for a two-day official visit to Nepal. The visit is aimed at further deepening India-Nepal relations and laying the groundwork for Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s proposed visit to India later this month.
Misri is visiting Nepal at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. The visit is timely as both countries seek to enhance diplomatic engagement and expand cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy and connectivity among others.
Vikram Misri to Hold Bilateral Talks with Nepal Officials
During his visit Misri will meet Amrit Bahadur Rai for bilateral discussions. Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions would cover “the entire gamut of Nepal-India relations as well as matters of mutual interest”.
They will review ongoing cooperation and ways to further strengthen their long-standing relationship. Misri is also meeting Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle.
He will meet PM Balendra Shah on Thursday, November 5 before returning to New Delhi. It is expected to be an important step in preparations for Shah’s proposed India visit.
Balendra Shah's Proposed India Visit in Focus
The main diplomatic agenda of Misri’s visit is the proposed trip by Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah to India later in November. The visit will be his first bilateral trip to India since becoming Prime Minister in March 2026.
The two governments are discussing possible dates and agenda for the visit but neither government has formally announced the dates yet.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to invite Shah to visit India. Misri may convey the invitation during his meeting with Nepalese Prime Minister.
The visit could be an opportunity for both leaders to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional issues and important matters in the two neighbouring countries.
Infrastructure, Energy and Economic Cooperation on Agenda
Economic cooperation will be an important part of the talks too. Nepal wants India to engage more with hydropower, infrastructure development, investment and connectivity.
India has funded many development projects in Nepal (roads, bridges, power infrastructure and other public facilities). The two countries will review progress on India-funded projects as well as new areas of cooperation.
Hydropower is still a major opportunity for both countries. Nepal has great electricity-generation potential and India is an important market for energy exports. Better cross-border connectivity and energy cooperation could help economic growth on both sides.
Trade, tourism, digital development and investment are also likely to be discussed in the context of the proposed high-level visit.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal, tweets, "Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal at the Ministry today. On the occasion, various matters related to further deepening the multifaceted partnership and strengthening the age-old ties of friendship between Nepal and India were discussed."
— ANI (@ANI) November 4, 2026
Diplomatic Engagement Amid Border Sensitivities
Misri’s visit also comes after a period of diplomatic tension between India and Nepal. Differences over the Lipulekh boundary issue and protocol issues had marred earlier visits by Indian diplomats to Kathmandu.
The two countries have held different positions on parts of their disputed boundary. India and Nepal have traditionally used bilateral diplomatic mechanisms to deal with such issues.
The current visit is an opportunity to maintain communication and strengthen cooperation despite those differences.
A Significant Step for India-Nepal Relations
Misri’s two-day visit shows how much both governments value their relationship. His talks in Kathmandu could set the agenda for Balendra Shah’s proposed India trip.
Trade, energy, infrastructure and regional cooperation are all on the table so the diplomatic engagement could give India-Nepal ties a fresh push. What comes out of the discussions will be watched closely as both countries prepare for the next round of high level talks.
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