New Delhi: Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen Shah, is expected to visit India in November for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, according to media reports. The proposed three-day visit would be his first bilateral foreign trip since taking office in March.
According to The Kathmandu Post, the visit could take place in the third or fourth week of November. However, neither Kathmandu nor New Delhi has officially confirmed the dates.
The proposed visit comes amid efforts to strengthen bilateral ties, expand infrastructure cooperation and discuss unresolved border issues. Officials from both countries have reportedly exchanged lists of projects that could be inaugurated or launched during the visit.
These include the India-funded Nepal Police Academy in Panauti, an integrated check post near Bhairahawa and bridges in western Nepal. The two prime ministers could also discuss proposed hydropower projects, a petroleum pipeline linking Siliguri in India with Jhapa in Nepal, and improved railway connectivity.
Energy cooperation is expected to feature prominently in the discussions, with several hydropower projects involving India’s state-owned NHPC among the proposals under consideration.
The talks could also address the longstanding Kalapani-Lipulekh border dispute, additional air-entry routes for Nepal, trade imbalances and transit arrangements. Progress on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project may also be discussed.
India’s assistance following devastating floods in Nepal in August is another important aspect of the proposed visit. According to earlier reports, India sent more than 130 tonnes of relief supplies and deployed specialists to support rescue and forensic operations.
Kathmandu is also seeking Indian assistance to rebuild damaged roads, bridges and hydropower infrastructure.
The proposed visit would mark a significant step in Shah’s diplomatic engagement with India. His predecessor, KP Sharma Oli, chose China for his first foreign visit after returning to power in 2024.
