Prime Minister Balen Shah Preparing to Visit India on November 23

Dragon Media Correspondent

Prime Minister Balen Shah is preparing to make an official visit to India on November 23, corresponding to Mangsir 7, according to a senior government source. Nepal and India have yet to formally announce the visit date.

Indian media reports say the visit may take place from November 23 to 25. Transport links, energy, trade, infrastructure development and post-flood reconstruction are expected to feature in the proposed talks.

The possible agenda includes the Raxaul–Kathmandu broad-gauge railway and expansion of passenger rail services between Janakpur and Ayodhya. In the energy sector, the 750-megawatt West Seti and 450-megawatt Seti River-6 hydropower projects may also be discussed. India’s state-owned NHPC is involved in developing both projects.

Other possible agenda items include the Dodhara-Chandani Integrated Check Post, a motorable bridge over the Mahakali River and the Bhairahawa Integrated Check Post. Indian media have also reported that the two sides may discuss Indian assistance to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the Bhotekoshi floods. There has been no official confirmation of any agreements or aid announcements.

India invited Prime Minister Shah for an official visit in July. Since then, the two sides have been discussing the date and agenda, the source said. On October 9, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said preparations were under way but that the date had not been finalised.

Shah visited the United States in September to attend the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The proposed India trip would be his first official bilateral foreign visit as prime minister. Details of the schedule, his planned talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and any potential agreements have not yet been announced.