Kathmandu | August 18, 2025. Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has officially received an invitation from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to visit India. The invitation was handed over on Sunday by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who is currently in Kathmandu on a two-day visit.
According to diplomatic sources, PM Oli is preparing for a two-day official trip to India starting on Bhadra 31 (mid-September). This will be his first visit to India since assuming office 13 months ago.
High-Level Meetings in Kathmandu
During his stay, Foreign Secretary Misri held a series of meetings with Nepal’s top leadership:
President Ramchandra Paudel
Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba
CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba
He also held bilateral talks with Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, covering issues such as trade, transit, connectivity, and development cooperation.
Misri conveyed Modi’s message that under India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy,” Nepal continues to hold a priority position.
Modi–Oli Talks Likely in Bodh Gaya
In a symbolic move, the two prime ministers are expected to hold part of their talks in Bodh Gaya, the sacred Buddhist site where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, in addition to meetings in New Delhi.
Key Agendas of the Visit
Oli’s upcoming visit is expected to focus on several crucial bilateral issues:
Facilitating Nepal’s exports to India, including plywood and steel products
Expanding rail, road, and air connectivity between the two countries
Advancing the long-stalled Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, pending for 29 years despite the Mahakali Treaty of 1996
Exploring solutions to border-related disputes
Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba emphasized the need for direct flights from Indian cities to Gautam Buddha International Airport (Rupandehi) and Pokhara International Airport, alongside expanded connectivity through land and rail routes.
Conclusion
Accepting the invitation, Prime Minister Oli expressed gratitude and reiterated that Nepal places high priority on its ties with India. He stated that his government seeks to advance relations based on mutual benefit and shared interests.
Observers expect this visit to give fresh momentum to Nepal–India relations, particularly in the areas of trade, connectivity, and long-term development projects.
