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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation on Wednesday.

During the conversation, PM Oli expressed sadness over the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Indian government for offering condolences following the incident in which a Nepali citizen also lost his life.

Informing about the telephone conversation held with Indian Prime Minister Modi, Prime Minister Oli through social media X said that he stands with India in the fight against such terrorist attacks.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. He will co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, according to the Firstpost.

Prior to his first visit to Jeddah, Modi declared, "India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia, which have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years." He added both the countries  are mutually dedicated in promoting regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability, Firstpost reported.

This is PM Modi’s third visit since taking over the office in 2014.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that he had a productive meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bangkok.

Taking to Twitter, he said, “India attaches immense priority to relations with Nepal. We discussed different aspects of India-Nepal friendship, especially in sectors like energy, connectivity, culture and digital technology.” “We also talked about some of the key positive outcomes from this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, especially in the areas of disaster management and maritime transport."

The two Prime Ministers had a one-on-one meeting for about 45 minutes at Hotel Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand.

The meeting took place as per the schedule after the conclusion of the Sixth Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Earlier, they had met in New York on September 23, 2024 on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that he had a positive and good conversation in a meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi today.

"I and Indian Prime Minister Modi-ji have had a good and positive dialogue. So much for now,” PM Oli said.

The two Prime Ministers had a one-on-one meeting for about 45 minutes at Hotel Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand.

The meeting took place as per the schedule after the conclusion of the Sixth Summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC).

Earlier, they had met in New York on September 23, 2024 on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has briefed the Parliament about his impending official visit to Thailand and his participation in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.

On the sidelines of the BIMSTEC Summit, PM Oli will meet Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other counterparts from the member-states.

Earlier, two leaders met in New York in September last year on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Addressing a meeting of the House of Representatives today, he said that Nepal’s prime minister is making an official visit to Thailand for the first time after 65 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. PM Oli is paying an official visit to Thailand from Tuesday.

Prime Minister Oli said this visit would be significant in the context of no official visit having taken place to Bangkok, which is the ‘gateway’ for Nepalis to countries other than the immediate neighbouring countries.

During the visit, PM Oli will hold meetings with the King of Thailand and his Thai counterpart. Eight MoUs will be signed—six between the non-governmental sectors of the two countries and two related to tourism and culture—in the presence of the two PMs.

PM Oli said he would hold discussions with eminent businesspeople of Thailand and address a program to be organized at the Asian Institute of Technology.

Prime Minister Oli is scheduled to address the BIMSTEC Summit on April 4. PM Oli informed that he will also hold sideline talks with the leaders of the member-states attending the summit.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), leading the Nepali delegation, held a bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Lotte New York Palace Hotel in the USA on Sunday.

Talking to mediapersons, PM Oli said that the meeting was positive.

According to Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba, who also attended the meeting, said the meeting was held in a cordial manner and also informed that Indian PM Modi would make a Nepal visit soon.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Rana, chief political advisor to the Prime Minister Bishnu Prasad Rimal, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sewa Lamsal and representative of the Permanent Mission of Nepal to the UN (Ambassador) Lok Bahadur Thapa on behalf of Nepal and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Secretary Vikram Misri from Indian side were present in the meeting.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in New York to participate in the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held a meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Sunday.

Matters related to Nepal-India bilateral interests and mutual benefits were discussed on the occasion.

The meeting was also attended by the foreign ministers of both the countries and members of the delegations.

Amid speculations about New Delhi’s response to Nepal’s new coalition government under KP Sharma Oli, a warm reception extended to Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Deuba Rana, by the Indian government in Delhi is being perceived as a positive gesture. This visit closely followed Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Nepal, signaling India’s priority in maintaining strong ties with its neighbor. High-level exchanges like these are often seen as manifestations of friendly relations and a growing understanding between the parties involved. Foreign Minister Rana’s India visit underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthening their bilateral relationship.

India’s response to Foreign Minister Rana’s visit has been interpreted differently by various observers. While some have provided subjective analyses, others have attempted to uncover the strategic implications. Regardless, diplomatic interactions like this are open to multiple interpretations. However, those who are trying to narrate a bad story aiming to destabilize bilateral relations, should be overlooked. Conspirators are everywhere, they should be condemned.   

This article aims to highlight Nepal-India relations, particularly in the context of recent high-level exchanges between the neighbors. It will focus on Kathmandu-New Delhi relations through the lens of KP Sharma Oli’s foreign policy and its approach to neighborly relations.

The importance given to Nepal’s Foreign Minister in India is a reflection of the importance given to the new government of Nepal formed under KP Sharma Oli. This gesture also honors the sentiments of the Nepali people. But the gestures should lead to some concrete action, for which we should wait for a few weeks (at least). Prime Minister Modi and his team are aware that Arzu Deuba Rana is the wife of former Prime Minister and a waiting Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. They also know that Arzu herself is a leader of the Nepali Congress. In that sense,  Delhi’s response to her might have comprised such mixed posture. But, this time as a foreign minister of Nepal, she was perceived as a representative of the government of Nepal and, by extension, Prime Minister Oli. So, there’s a need to be cautious about possible efforts to create misunderstanding within the coalition by misinterpreting the visit.  

During her meetings with Prime Minister Modi, Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, and other Indian officials, Minister Rana raised several key issues. These discussions covered bilateral relations, development cooperation and economic collaboration. It is important to note that this visit was not heavily loaded with agendas but rather aimed at setting a positive tone in bilateral relations at a time when Nepal’s new ruling coalition has just taken charge. 

Minister Rana’s visit has set the tone for further discussions and future high-level visits. This diplomatic engagement also paved the way for an upcoming meeting between Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Such interactions are expected to address and resolve longstanding issues, fostering trust and understanding between the two nations. It should be remembered here that Oli and Modi have been maintaining close contact and sharing thoughts on issues of mutual interest.  

During the visit, Minister Rana formally extended an invitation from Prime Minister Oli to Prime Minister Modi to visit Nepal, to which Modi responded positively, indicating that he will visit Nepal in appropriate time. This development is significant, marking the potential for reciprocal visits between the two leaders.

In building relations, the chemistry of the leaders and approach to the issues are also important. This is where the foreign policy approach of Prime Minister Oli comes in.   

Prime Minister Oli’s foreign policy has been shaped by Nepal’s geographic location between its powerful neighbors, India and China. He has consistently prioritized maintaining a balanced and fair relationship with both countries on the basis of the principle of “sovereign equality.”  His well-known assertion that “countries may vary in size, but all countries are equal in terms of sovereignty” encapsulates a core tenet of Nepal’s foreign policy and continues to guide the nation’s diplomatic engagements. This approach, in  a way, aligns with India’s “Neighborhood First” policy and China’s “Peripheral Diplomacy,” both of which emphasize the importance of fostering good relations with neighboring countries.

Prime Minister Oli has emphasized that Nepal’s strategic location should be viewed as an opportunity for development rather than a challenge. He has also expressed appreciation for India’s leadership in global initiatives, such as campaigning of Global South, demonstrating the alignment of interests between the two nations. Throughout his previous tenures, Prime Minister Oli has remained committed to prioritizing Nepal’s national interest, navigating the complex geopolitical landscape with a focus on fairness and balance. In his fourth term as Prime Minister, Oli has, once again, openly requested both India and China to support Nepal’s development endeavors.  

In conclusion, Prime Minister Oli’s foreign policy approach, centered on the principles of “amity with all” and “enmity with none,” aims to promote peaceful and cooperative relations with all nations. From the land of Gautam Buddha, Prime Minister Oli has called on the global community to embrace peace and non-violence as solutions to global crises. Nepal, with its rich heritage of peace, stands ready to contribute to global efforts in promoting harmony and understanding.

The recent visit of Nepal’s foreign minister to India should be analyzed by considering these factors.  

Views are personal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday, August 15, broke the record of his immediate predecessor Manmohan Singh by hoisting the national flag from the ramparts of the Red Fort for the 11th consecutive time on Independence Day.

With this, Narendra Modi has become the prime minister to hoist the Tricolour for the third highest time. The record lies with first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru who did the honours 17 times from 1947 to 1964.

Speaking on the 78th Independence Day of India, Modi touched upon a number of domestic and international issues, including the current Bangladesh political crisis.

It was Modi's longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes. Modi's Independence Day speeches average at 82 minutes — longer than any other prime minister in India's history.

His longest I-day speech before Thursday was 96 minutes in 2016 while his shortest speech was in 2017 when he spoke for around 56 minutes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speech: Key takeaways

1. PM Narendra Modi hoped that the situation in Bangladesh will improve soon even as he expressed concern over the safety of Hindus and other minorities in that country. Modi said India will always be supportive of Bangladesh's growth and development. “As a neighbouring country, I can understand the concern regarding whatever has happened in Bangladesh. I hope that the situation there gets normal at the earliest. The concerns of 140 crore countrymen to ensure the safety of Hindus and minorities there - India always wants our neighbouring countries to walk the path of prosperity and peace. We are committed to peace...In the days to come, we will continue to wish well for Bangladesh in its 'Vikas Yatra' because we think about the welfare of humankind.”
2. PM Narendra Modi made an unequivocal pitch for a uniform civil code in the country, asserting that a "secular civil code" in place of the existing "communal" one is the need of the hour.
3. Modi said there is a need to widely publicise punishments given for atrocities against women, so that there is a fear of consequence. The PM added that said his government has worked on a "women-led development model," but he was still concerned over incidents of rape and violence against women. The Prime Minister said there is anger among people against such incidents. "We have worked on a women-led development model. Whether it is innovation, employment, entrepreneurship, in every sector women are marching ahead," Modi said.
4. Modi also pushed for major reforms in the farm sector on the occasion of the 78th Independence Day celebrations and emphasised efforts to make the lives of farmers in the country better. The PM commended farmers for choosing organic farming and added that the country's farmers can make India the organic food basket of the world as it moves towards its goal of Viksit Bharat.
5. Modi said 75,000 more medical seats will be created in the next five years. Addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 78th Independence Day, Modi said even today, children, mostly belonging to the middle class, are going abroad for medical education. They spend “lakhs and crores” on medical education abroad, he said.
6. The PM said many global companies want to invest in India and asked the state governments to compete among themselves to attract them. Modi said most of the people he met in his third term wanted to invest in India.
7. Modi, in an indirect attack on the opposition, said while the nation is moving forward with a unified resolution, some people cannot "tolerate" the progress. "We are moving forward with the same resolution, but there are some people who cannot tolerate progress or think of India's progress unless it benefits them. They want anarchy. The country needs to protect itself from this handful of pessimistic people," the Prime Minister said.
8. Narendra Modi slammed the culture of patronage and “termite” of corruption, saying that some people glorify it but he will persevere against them. Modi expressed concern over corruption and its glorification, describing it as a major issue for the society. “I know I have to pay a price for this battle, my prestige may be at stake, but national interests are more important than personal prestige,” he said.
9. Asserting that India has the ability to stage large-scale global events, Modi said the country is leaving no stone unturned in its efforts to host the Olympics in 2036. Along with India, several other nations such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey are positioning themselves as strong contenders to host the sporting spectacle. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is expected to decide the host only next year after holding its elections.
10. Modi emphasised bringing “one nation and one election” in the country adding that these days every welfare scheme is linked to elections. “Continuous elections in the country are causing headraces in development. Welfare schemes in the country are now linked to the elections,” the PM said. Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday delivered his longest Independence Day speech at 98 minutes as he addressed the country from the ramparts of historic Red Fort.

Modi's Independence Day speeches average at 82 minutes longer than any other prime minister in India's history.

His longest I-day speech before Thursday was 96 minutes in 2016 while his shortest speech was in 2017 when he spoke for around 56 minutes.

On the 78th Independence Day, Modi also became the prime minister to hoist the tricolour on Independence Day and deliver a speech for the third highest time.

 Modi delivered his first Independence Day speech in 2014, which lasted for 65 minutes.

His speech in 2015 lasted for about 88 minutes. This was Modi's 11th address as PM and his first after taking charge for a third term.

 In 2018, Modi addressed from the ramparts of the Red Fort for 83 minutes. Subsequently, in 2019, he spoke for nearly 92 minutes, which was his second-longest to date.

In 2020 Modi's I-day address lasted for 90 minutes.

His Independence Day speech in 2021 lasted 88 minutes and in 2022 he spoke for about 74 minutes.

Last year, Modi's speech was 90 minutes long.

 Before Modi, Jawaharlal Nehru in 1947 and IK Gujral in 1997 had the longest speeches at 72 and 71 minutes, respectively.

Nehru and Indira also gave the shortest speeches on record at 14 minutes in 1954 and 1966, respectively.

Former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee also gave some of the shortest Independence Day speeches from the Red Fort.

Singh's speeches in 2012 and 2013 lasted only 32 and 35 minutes, respectively. Vajpayee's speeches in 2002 and 2003 were even shorter at 25 and 30 minutes. Business Standard

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli on his appointment as the prime minister of Nepal.

Indian Prime Minister Modi congratulated Prime Minister Oli through social media.

The Indian Prime Minister said that he is ready to work closely to further strengthen the friendship between the two countries.

He stressed that both countries should work for the progress and prosperity of the people.

Indian PM Modi expressed his confidence that the relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened.

UML Chairman Oli was appointed as the prime minister on Friday.

The 10^th International Yoga Day is being observed in Nepal by organizing various programs on Friday.

In 2014, the United Nations designated June 21 as the International Day of Yoga on the basis of a draft resolution moved by the Government of India and endorsed by a record 175 member states.

In his message addressed to world leaders including Prime Minister of Nepal Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has underlined that “In the decade gone by, what began as a Resolution by the UN General Assembly, has grown into a global movement promoting health and well-being. Yoga is today embraced by all cultures and all continents of the world,” reads a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.

To celebrate the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu and the Consulate General of India in Birgunj organized a series of engaging events across 10 cities and municipalities in Nepal including Kathmandu, Pokhara, Lamjung, Lumbini, Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Gaur and Pokhariya.

In keeping with this year’s theme of “Yoga for Self and Society”, the Indian Embassy organized two curtain raiser events including a yoga demonstration at the revered Pashupatinath temple and a lecture-cum-demonstration for the girls of Maiti Nepal in Kathmandu on June 7, 2024.

On 19 June 2024, the Embassy of India in Kathmandu organized a yoga and meditation practice for more than 450 participants on the banks of Lake Phewa in Pokhara, underscoring Yoga’s role as a bridge between human consciousness and nature. On the same day, the Embassy also organized a yoga demonstration and free health consultation with Ayurvedic practitioners, focusing on the health benefits of yoga and ayurveda, for the students of Pokhara University. The Vice Chancellor of Pokhara University and several senior professors also participated, according to the statement.

On 20 June 2024, the Embassy of India in Nepal organized yoga demonstrations at three iconic landmarks of Pokhara – the Sarangkot view point that offers panoramic views of the Annapurna mountain range; the Shiva Temple at Pumdikot which brings together a spiritual ambience with majestic views; and the Shanti Stupa situated on the picturesque Anadu Hill. Experienced Yoga instructors led the participants through a series of asanas, pranayama and meditation techniques, highlighting the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of Yoga.

The Embassy of India also organized a large-scale yoga demonstration for more than 900 participants at the Lumbini Development Trust, Lumbini on 20 June 2024. The event was attended by Chief Minister of Lumbini Jokh Bahadur Mahara and other provincial leaders.

Chief Minister Mahara thanked the Embassy of India for organizing the significant Yoga event at the birthplace of Lord Buddha and for strengthening India- Nepal cultural ties. Ambassador Naveen Srivastava emphasized on the universal appeal of Yoga and its importance in fostering a healthy, mindful and sustainable lifestyle.

The center-piece of the Embassy of India’s celebration of the International Day of Yoga in Nepal in 2024 was the mega yoga demonstration event organized at Pokhara’s Rangshala Stadium in association with the Pokhara Metropolitan City on June 21, 2024.

Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surindra Raj Pandey, Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhana Raj Acharya and over 5000 yoga enthusiasts from the region participated in this event.

The Gandaki Province Chief Minister thanked the Embassy of India for organizing the largest International Yoga Day event in Pokhara this year, the statement further reads.

He underlined that the Government of Nepal had supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposal for designating 21 June as the International Day of Yoga in 2014. He also emphasized that Yoga is an important component of the profound and enduring cultural ties between India and Nepal.

Ambassador Naveen Srivastava highlighted that Yoga serves as a powerful cultural bridge between India and Nepal and that the organization of Yoga events in important tourist locations in Nepal can also serve to boost Yoga tourism in these places.

The Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City thanked the Embassy for supporting the initiative to establish Pokhara as the tourism capital of Nepal by organizing such large-scale events in the city. He reaffirmed that the city of Pokhara looks forward to collaborating with the Embassy every year for the celebration of the International Day of Yoga.

The Consulate General of India also organized International Day of Yoga events in Janakpur, Chitwan, Birgunj, Hetauda, Gaur and Pokhariya.

To wrap up the celebration of the 10th edition of the International Day of Yoga, the Embassy of India will be organizing a yoga demonstration event at the scenic Lamjung district in association with the Madhya Nepal Municipality on June 22, 2024.

The Embassy of India is committed to encouraging people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Nepal based on the shared interest in yoga and holistic health practices.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, who is on an official visit to India, held a meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on Sunday evening.

In the meeting held at New Delhi, Prime Minister Dahal congratulated Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, for taking charge of the country's executive head for the third consecutive time and expressed confidence that the relations between Nepal and India would reach a new height during his tenure.

On the occasion, they discussed various issues of bilateral interest and mutual relations between Nepal and India. Matters related to the implementation of agreements and understandings signed between the two countries in the past were also discussed. 

PM Dahal attended the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Modi on Sunday evening.

The Prime Minister had left Kathmandu for New Delhi on Sunday.

He is accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other high-ranking government officials.

Prime Minister Dahal is scheduled to return home this evening.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has left for New Delhi, India on Sunday to participate in the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

He left for Delhi at 1 pm today.

Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Physical Infrastructure Raghubir Mahaseth, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha and high-ranking officials had reached the Tribhuvan International Airport to bid farewell to Prime Minister Dahal.

He was accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other high-ranking government employees.

Indian Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to take oath for the third term this evening.

During the visit, Prime Minister Dahal is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Modi, according to the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi.

Prime Minister Dahal is scheduled to return home tomorrow.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is leaving for India on Saturday to take part in the oath taking ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Indian Prime Minister Modi is preparing to take the oath of office and secrecy for the third time on Saturday.

Prime Minister Dahal and his Indian counterpart Modi held a telephonic conversation on Wednesday night.

On the occasion, the two leaders briefly discussed the matters concerning mutual benefits and common interests of both the countries, a Baluwatar source informed.

ALSO READ: What will Modi’s 3.0 mean for Nepal ? 

During the conversation, Indian Prime Minister Modi invited Dahal to participate in his swearing in ceremony.

After receiving Modi’s formal invitation, Prime Minister Dahal started preparations to leave for India.

According to a source, he will leave for New Delhi on Friday evening or Saturday morning.

The Prime Minister’s Office informed that a Cabinet meeting to be held today will decide on the Prime Minister’s visit by accepting Modi’s invitation.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired the last meeting of the outgoing Union cabinet which recommended dissolution of the 17th Lok Sabha, setting in motion the process of formation of the next government after the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) won a narrow majority in the Lok Sabha.

PM Modi drove down to Rashtrapati Bhavan to call on President Droupadi Murmu soon after.

“The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, met the President today and tendered his resignation along with the Council of Ministers. The President has accepted the resignation and requested Shri Narendra Modi and the Council of Ministers to continue till the new Government assumes office,” a Rashtrapati Bhavan communique said.

People familiar with the matter said the cabinet meeting to recommend dissolution of the Lok Sabha was held at the prime minister’s residence at about 11:30am.

The term of the current 17th Lok Sabha ends on June 16.

At 293 seats, the NDA is comfortably above the majority mark of 272 in the 543-member Lok Sabha. The BJP, which secured 240 seats, had fallen short of the halfway mark for the first time since 2014, and is dependent on its allies for government formation.

Bihar chief minister and Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar, Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena chief Eknath Shinde and N Chandrababu Naidu, the head of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), have already reached New Delhi to attend the meeting of the NDA later in the day.

The three are key to the BJP’s numbers to form the government. The TDP won 16 Lok Sabha seats (its partner the Jana Sena won two; so it should be counted as 18); the JD(U), 12; and the Shiv Sena, 7. The 37 seats, added to the BJP’s 240, will take the party safely beyond the majority mark of 272.

The NDA meeting will coincide with that of the Opposition’s INDIA’s bloc, which won 233 seats despite being written off in the exit polls.