Indian Foreign Secretary calls on President, PM

 Kathmandu, Aug. 17

Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has called on President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba on Sunday.

During Misri's courtesy call on President Paudel at Sheetal Niwas, issues related to bilateral relations and promotion of mutual interest were discussed, according to the President's Office.

While paying a courtesy call on PM Oli, Misri extendd an invitation on behalf of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an official visit to India. Prime Minister Oli expressed his gratitude for the invitation, PM's Secretariat informed.

Secretary Misri arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday on a two-day official visit to Nepal at the invitation of Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai.

Likewise, he paid a call on FM Dr. Rana at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA).

During the meeting, the two sides discussed various dimensions of Nepal–India relations, holding talks on matters of mutual interest, bilateral ties, and shared concerns.

FM Dr. Rana's Secretariat informed in a statement that she expressed satisfaction over the recent enhancement of connectivity initiatives between the two countries, as well as the rise in bilateral dialogues, high-level visits, and diplomatic engagements at different levels.

Highlighting the importance of connectivity in strengthening Nepal–India relations, she stressed that enhanced connectivity contributed meaningfully to tourism and economic activities on both sides.

Similarly, FM Dr. Rana emphasised the need to expand air connectivity, in addition to rail and road links, and called for the introduction of more flights from Indian cities to Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport, along with additional air routes.

"She also underlined the need to create an enabling environment for the resumption of direct Nepalgunj–Delhi flights in the future," read the statement.

Furthermore, Minister Dr Rana urged timely progress in the construction of the Fapla Cricket Stadium in Dhangadhi, being built with Indian assistance.

The Ministry informed that discussions also covered the Nepal–India Transit Treaty, with a focus on trade facilitation. The Foreign Minister raised concerns on issues faced by the Nepali private sector regarding exports of products such as plywood and steel to India, particularly difficulties linked to Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and related barriers.

FM Dr. Rana stressed the importance of moving forward with the implementation of the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project to ensure benefits for both sides, and highlighted the need for joint cooperation in flood and inundation control measures.

Misri's visit will conclude on Monday.  

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 18 August 2025.