Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal will arrive in New Delhi on a three‑day official visit from June 5 to 7, marking the first ministerial‑level engagement between India and Nepal since Kathmandu’s new government under Prime Minister Balendra Shah took office in March. The visit comes just days after RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signalling renewed diplomatic momentum between the two neighbours.
According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Khanal will hold formal talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, where both sides will review the full spectrum of bilateral ties and explore ways to deepen cooperation. Discussions are expected to cover trade, investment, connectivity, energy cooperation, and people‑to‑people exchanges, all of which form the backbone of India–Nepal relations.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that the visit is part of the regular high‑level exchanges that characterise the “long‑standing and multifaceted” partnership between the two countries. New Delhi views the engagement as an opportunity to reinforce its Neighbourhood First policy, with PM Modi recently reaffirming India’s commitment to working closely with Nepal’s political leadership.
Khanal’s visit also carries political significance. It is the first high‑level outreach by Nepal’s new leadership, which has traditionally prioritised early engagement with India due to deep economic, cultural, and strategic ties. The presence of senior Indian officials, including NSA Ajit Doval and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, at recent meetings underscores the importance New Delhi places on maintaining stability and cooperation with Kathmandu.
With Nepal undergoing political transition and India expanding regional connectivity initiatives, the visit is expected to set the tone for stronger bilateral coordination in the months ahead.