India's Foreign Secretary to visit Nepal ahead of PM Shah's Delhi trip

India's Foreign Secretary is scheduled to travel to Kathmandu to facilitate arrangements for a landmark visit by Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah to New Delhi, marking his inaugural bilateral trip abroad since assuming office.

The visit by India's diplomatic envoy underscores New Delhi's priority on strengthening bilateral ties with Kathmandu. PM Shah, who has concentrated his efforts on addressing domestic priorities since taking office, is expected to undertake the Delhi trip before the year concludes, according to officials tracking the development.

The planned engagement reflects the significance both nations attach to their relationship, with Nepal being a key partner in India's South Asian diplomacy. The Foreign Secretary's preparatory visit will likely address agenda items, protocol matters, and substantive issues for discussion during the prime ministerial visit.

Bilateral visits between the Indian and Nepali leadership carry particular importance given the intertwined economic, cultural, and security dimensions of the India-Nepal partnership. The timing of PM Shah's first foreign bilateral visit to India is seen as indicative of Kathmandu's commitment to strengthening cross-border relations.

Details regarding the exact dates and the scope of discussions during both the Foreign Secretary's visit and the subsequent prime ministerial tour are expected to be finalized through ongoing diplomatic channels between the two governments.