Misri’s strategic visit to Nepal

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri arrived in Kathmandu on Sunday for a two-day official visit. His arrival represents a pivotal moment for both India and Nepal, offering a chance to align their strategic priorities and deepen mutual understanding.

Misri, a seasoned diplomat with a distinguished reputation as a China specialist, was appointed Foreign Secretary last month. In line with tradition, his inaugural diplomatic mission took him to neighboring countries, with Nepal being a significant stop. 

This visit follows the recent establishment of a new government in Nepal, led by CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, in coalition with the Nepali Congress. Soon after his arrival in Kathmandu, Misri engaged in comprehensive consultations with Nepali leaders, focusing on political and developmental issues of shared concern.

In his meeting with Prime Minister Oli, Misri reaffirmed the enduring, multifaceted relationship between India and Nepal, emphasizing the need to invigorate various sectors of bilateral cooperation. Discussions with President Ram Chandra Poudel similarly centered on strengthening ties across all domains, with a particular emphasis on enhanced collaboration in addressing climate change—a critical issue for both nations. Misri held talks with top leaders of the major parties. 

Misri also inaugurated the new building of the Nepal Bhasha Parishad in Kathmandu, constructed under India’s post-earthquake reconstruction grant.

Over recent years, India-Nepal relations have seen notable advancements, particularly in connectivity projects, power trade, and other areas of cooperation. However, lingering distrust persists, stemming from the strained ties during Oli’s previous tenure in 2016 and the  map dispute in 2020. Despite these challenges, there has been a perceptible improvement in trust between the two nations, with India gradually overcoming perceptions of favoritism toward the Nepali Congress-Maoist coalition.

Oli’s return to power, his third in a decade, comes at a time of cautious optimism. His first term in 2015 was marked by the Indian economic blockade, and his second, in 2018, by a strong mandate following the formation of the Nepal Communist Party.  In Oli’s latest tenure, both India and Nepal appear to be in a phase of careful observation and strategic recalibration. Analysts say that Misri’s visit can be instrumental in allowing both sides to communicate their concerns and interests openly. This visit is expected to be followed by a visit from Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba, aimed at laying the groundwork for Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visit to India. 

Given the complexities in India’s neighborhood, particularly concerning the unfolding situation in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, New Delhi is expected to approach its relations with Kathmandu with heightened caution and diplomacy. On contentious issues such as the border map dispute, both sides have agreed to resolve them through diplomatic channels. With the two largest parties, Congress and UML, holding a significant majority in Parliament, observers say that New Delhi will find it easier to collaborate with the new government. This coalition, likely to remain stable for the next three years, provides a conducive environment for advancing bilateral relations. 

As the Oli-led government faces the daunting task of economic recovery, it is seeking increased assistance and investment from the international community, including India. Enhanced economic partnership, therefore, remains a mutual priority for both Kathmandu and New Delhi.