Nepal PM likely to visit India by year end

Nepalese Prime Minister Balen Shah is likely to visit India by the end of this year, according to Swarnim Wagle, Nepal's finance minister. This visit would mark Shah's first as the country's head of government, following parliamentary elections earlier in 2026 and the fall of the previous administration due to student protests. Shah had initially announced that his first foreign trip as prime minister would not begin until 2027.

Sources indicate that Shah may arrive in New Delhi in November, following an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Wagle, making his maiden visit to India as finance minister, discussed potential industry-to-industry cooperation between India and Nepal during a meeting with experts and think-tankers in New Delhi. The country is particularly interested in revitalizing job creation and industry partnerships.

Nepal is eager to modernize its bilateral trade and transit treaty, which was last revised in June 2023. The treaty expansion, which includes rail-based freight and bulk cargo connectivity, aims to enhance connectivity. Shah's first international trip was chosen due to the strong bilateral ties between the two nations and New Delhi's prompt assistance in Nepal's recovery efforts following devastating flash floods in August.

Previous visits by Nepal's foreign minister and ruling party chairman to India have further cemented these close ties.

India has recently dispatched an additional 11 tonnes of relief supplies to aid Nepal's recovery from the disaster.