What happened?
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu on August 17, 2025, for a two-day official visit at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. During the visit, Misri called on Nepal’s Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and held discussions on key areas of mutual interest. He also met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, as well as senior political leaders including President Ram Chandra Paudel, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, and CPN-Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal. The meetings are part of ongoing high-level exchanges aimed at strengthening India-Nepal relations ahead of Prime Minister Oli’s scheduled visit to India on August 29.
Why it matters to India
The visit underscores India’s commitment to enhancing its ties with Nepal under the Neighbourhood First Policy. Discussions during Misri’s meetings focused on cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, and regional development. The interactions also serve to prepare the agenda for upcoming engagements, including a proposed meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bodh Gaya, Bihar. The visit reflects the continued momentum in India-Nepal relations and highlights the importance of sustained diplomatic engagement at all levels.