GNN, Kathmandu — Nepal and India have stepped up preparations for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s (Balen) proposed visit to India in November, with infrastructure development, post-flood assistance and the inauguration of India-funded projects expected to feature prominently on the agenda.

The visit is expected to strengthen bilateral engagement between the two neighbouring countries, although an official date has yet to be announced. Officials from both sides are coordinating diplomatic arrangements and exchanging documents in preparation for the high-level visit.

A joint secretary at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said preparations had been intensified following confirmation that Prime Minister Shah would travel to India. “The Ministry is always prepared for high-level visits between the two countries. However, preparations have been stepped up now that Prime Minister Balen’s visit to India has been confirmed,” the official said.

According to the official, Nepal has begun reviewing existing bilateral agreements and implementation plans. Infrastructure development is expected to be a central agenda item during the visit, with discussions also underway on additional Indian assistance for areas affected by the recent Bhotekoshi floods.

The floods caused extensive damage in Nepal, and India made significant contributions to rescue, relief and search operations. Indian authorities have reportedly expressed willingness to provide further assistance, and discussions are ongoing to identify areas where additional support could be extended.

India-Funded Projects Set for Joint Inauguration

Preparations are also underway for the inauguration of several projects constructed with Indian assistance. These include the Nepal Police Academy, the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Bhairahawa and the bridge over the Mahakali River in Darchula.

According to sources at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, arrangements are being considered for the projects to be jointly inaugurated by the prime ministers of Nepal and India during the visit.

Coordination is ongoing with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, while both sides continue to exchange relevant documents. Officials have described the current process as part of the preliminary preparations for the visit.

High-level visits from both countries are also expected as part of the preparations. A senior Nepali delegation is likely to travel to India soon, potentially led by the Foreign Minister or another senior government representative.

Indian officials are also expected to visit Nepal in connection with the arrangements, according to the Foreign Ministry source.

Diplomatic Engagement Gains Momentum

The proposed visit follows Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle’s recent two-day visit to India. Prime Minister Shah’s India visit was finalised after Wagle returned to Kathmandu, although discussions about the visit had been ongoing for some time.

Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal held talks with his Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in the United States.

Both ministers were in the US to attend the General Assembly, where they held a bilateral meeting. According to Foreign Ministry sources, the proposed visit of Prime Minister Shah to India was also discussed during the meeting.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri confirmed that preparations for the visit were underway. He said both sides were working to arrange the visit at a mutually convenient time, while clarifying that the official date had not yet been finalised.

Invitation Extended Shortly After Balen Became Prime Minister

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Shah to visit India shortly after he was appointed Prime Minister of Nepal in March 2026 (Chaitra 2082).

Modi extended the invitation during a telephone conversation in which he congratulated Shah on assuming office. A formal written invitation was subsequently sent by the Indian side.

Although Shah accepted the invitation, he initially indicated that he would not undertake foreign visits during his first year in office.

Following Shah’s reluctance to travel to India, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) invited Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane to visit India.

Lamichhane received a high-profile welcome during his visit and held meetings with Prime Minister Modi and other senior Indian officials.

After Lamichhane’s return, efforts to arrange Prime Minister Shah’s India visit continued, with India reportedly pursuing the matter through diplomatic channels.

The issue was also discussed during the visit of the Indian Army Chief to Nepal, who met Prime Minister Shah. Nepali officials visiting India subsequently held discussions on the proposed visit.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs had also formally extended an invitation to Shah and expressed its expectation that the visit would take place soon.

With Prime Minister Shah now prepared to travel to India, the two governments are expected to announce the official dates once the remaining diplomatic and logistical arrangements are completed.