On May 12, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said New Delhi has received an invitation for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to visit Kathmandu, with dates to be finalised at the mutual convenience of both countries. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the invitation had been received and that both sides would work out a suitable schedule and keep the public informed.
Jaiswal highlighted a steady diplomatic momentum between India and Nepal since Prime Minister Balen Shah took office, noting that both capitals are working closely to deepen an already multifaceted partnership. He responded to Nepali media reports that suggested the proposed visit had been postponed due to the Nepalese PM’s reported reluctance to meet foreign diplomats, characterising the overall trajectory as positive.
The MEA pointed to recent high-level contacts as evidence of growing engagement, including a bilateral meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Nepalese Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal in Mauritius, and subsequent discussions in the Maldives where both leaders explored deeper cooperation across sectors.
On the sensitive issue of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the MEA reiterated India’s long-standing position that the Lipulekh Pass has been used for the Yatra since 1954 and that this route is not a new development. India reiterated its view that unilateral enlargement of territorial claims is neither justified nor supported by historical facts, while underlining its openness to constructive dialogue on agreed outstanding boundary issues.
Jaiswal said New Delhi remains committed to resolving differences through diplomacy and welcomed continued engagement at various levels. He also referenced Prime Minister Modi’s outreach to Prime Minister Shah to elevate bilateral friendship for the benefit of citizens of both countries. The MEA said it will share further details about the Foreign Secretary’s visit once dates are agreed.
