Kathmandu, 01 Bhadra 2082 (Sunday)
In an effort to further strengthen India–Nepal relations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu on a two-day official visit. On the very first day, he held a series of high-level meetings with Nepal’s top political leaders, the President, and the foreign affairs leadership.
Meeting with Prime Minister Oli and Invitation to Visit India
Soon after his arrival in Kathmandu on Sunday morning, Misri met Prime Minister and UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli at Singha Durbar. During the courtesy call, he handed over an official invitation letter from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, inviting Oli to visit India in the last week of Bhadra.
Oli’s visit to India is considered almost confirmed, though the formal announcement is yet to be made.
President Paudel: “Relations with India a Top Priority”
Following his meeting with Prime Minister Oli, Misri called on President Ram Chandra Paudel at Shital Niwas.
President Paudel described India as a close friend and neighbor of great importance to Nepal. He praised India’s socio-economic, technological, and international achievements, noting that Nepal has benefited from them and wishes to benefit further in the future.
President Paudel stated:
“Nepal has always placed relations with India as a top priority. We appreciate the Government of India’s ‘Neighborhood First Policy’.”
Meetings with Key Opposition Leaders
On Sunday itself, Misri also met Sher Bahadur Deuba, President of the Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister, at his residence in Budhanilkantha.
He later visited Khumaltar to meet Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and also a former Prime Minister. These discussions centered on bilateral cooperation, mutual trust, and shared interests between Nepal and India.
Talks with Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba
Foreign Secretary Misri also held talks with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba on Sunday. Later, he had a bilateral meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.
In the evening, Secretary Rai hosted a dinner in Misri’s honor, where issues such as connectivity, development projects, and future cooperation were discussed in detail.
New Energy for India–Nepal Relations
During his visit, Misri emphasized that in today’s modern era, enhancing connectivity and cooperation is essential for the shared progress and development of both countries. He expressed confidence that this visit would help deepen and energize India–Nepal relations.
Conclusion
Although short, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s two-day Nepal visit carried significant diplomatic weight. By meeting almost all top leaders of Nepal in a single day, he sent a clear message that India–Nepal relations are moving toward a new phase of engagement and cooperation.
The visit has also laid the groundwork for Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming trip to India, which is expected to open a new chapter in bilateral ties. 
