Strategic Diplomatic Preparations for Prime Minister Oli’s Upcoming Visit to India
India is making significant efforts to ensure a smooth and productive visit by Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. As part of these preparations, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to arrive in Kathmandu on August 17 for a two-day visit. This will be his second trip to the Nepali capital within a year, underscoring the importance India places on its bilateral relationship with Nepal.
The timing of this visit is crucial as it comes ahead of Oli’s scheduled official trip to New Delhi, which is currently planned for September 16. The prime minister has been eager to make this visit since taking office in July last year, and there are ongoing discussions about extending the duration of the trip to three or four days, depending on the evolving schedule. If extended, the details of Oli’s travel outside Delhi will be finalized accordingly.
Misri’s visit is not only about setting the tone for Oli’s upcoming trip but also about discussing key agenda items that could lead to agreements and instruments signed during the prime minister’s stay in India. These discussions will cover a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, border issues, and cultural exchanges.
During his visit, Misri will meet with several high-ranking officials in Nepal, including Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba and other leaders. He will also engage with Prime Minister Oli to understand what Kathmandu expects from the visit, especially at a time when India is navigating a tariff-related dispute with the United States.
Despite the absence of an official announcement, sources within the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed that the visit is “in the pipeline” and is expected to happen. Lok Bahadur Paudel Chettri, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, “We are preparing for the visit. It will happen for sure. We will announce the date at an appropriate time.”
The current tentative schedule indicates that Oli will arrive in Delhi on September 16, followed by delegation-level talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the next day, which coincides with Modi’s birthday. This gesture highlights the significance of the visit and the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Misri’s visit marks his second trip to Kathmandu since being appointed as India’s foreign secretary in July 2024. His first visit last August was a familiarization trip, during which he met with President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister Oli, and other key figures.
Oli’s attempts to strengthen relations with India have not always been smooth. Previous meetings with Modi in New York and Bangkok were reportedly unproductive. However, despite these challenges, Oli has continued to seek ways to mend ties with India, which had deteriorated following the boundary dispute in November 2019. That incident involved India's inclusion of Nepal's Kalapani area in its new map, causing significant tension between the two countries.
In December last year, Oli’s visit to China further strained relations with India, particularly after the signing of the Belt and Road Initiative framework agreement in Beijing. However, a more cordial meeting in April during the Bimstec summit in Bangkok offered some hope for improved relations.
Recent developments in bilateral mechanisms have shown positive signs. Home secretary-level talks in New Delhi resulted in agreements on a mutual legal assistance (MLA) agreement on criminal matters and continued discussions on an extradition treaty. These agreements could be signed during Oli’s visit if preparations are completed.
Additionally, the seventh meeting of the Boundary Working Group in New Delhi marked a step forward in resolving border issues. Officials agreed to complete the boundary work along the Nepal-India border, excluding the disputed Susta and Kalapani areas, within three years.
Trade, transit, and infrastructure projects have also seen positive progress. A joint secretary who participated in the recent meetings in Delhi noted, “We found the Indian side very positive in these talks.” With these developments, there is optimism that India will adopt a constructive approach during Oli’s visit.