India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, met Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal in Kathmandu on Monday to discuss ongoing cooperation and bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The meeting, described as a courtesy call, took place at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reflected continued diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
During the interaction, Srivastava conveyed greetings from India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, congratulating Khanal on his recent appointment. The discussion covered various aspects of the India-Nepal relationship, with both leaders focusing on strengthening cooperation and maintaining close coordination across key areas.
Khanal assumed office as Nepal’s Foreign Minister following political developments that led to Balendra Shah becoming the country’s new Prime Minister on March 27. Shah, who leads the Rastriya Swatantra Party, took charge after his party secured a strong majority in the parliamentary elections. His leadership marks a significant shift in Nepal’s political landscape, with expectations of renewed policy direction and governance priorities.
Earlier, Jaishankar had publicly extended his congratulations to Khanal and expressed willingness to work together to deepen the longstanding partnership between India and Nepal. Similarly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Shah on his appointment, emphasizing India’s commitment to advancing bilateral ties for mutual benefit. Shah also acknowledged the message, expressing interest in enhancing cooperation and strengthening the relationship between the two nations.
At 35, Shah is among the youngest leaders to hold the position of Prime Minister in Nepal’s history. His rise from serving as Kathmandu’s mayor to leading the country highlights a notable political transition.
India and Nepal share a deeply rooted relationship shaped by cultural, religious, and linguistic connections. Over the decades, India has remained Nepal’s largest development partner, contributing significantly to infrastructure and other major projects through financial assistance programs. This partnership, which dates back to the 1950s, continues to play a vital role in Nepal’s development and regional cooperation.
