Nepal PM Balen Shah expected to make first foreign visit to India

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah is expected to make India his first foreign destination since assuming office in March 2026. Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle indicated that discussions regarding the Prime Minister’s international travel have begun, expressing confidence that the visit could occur before the end of the year.

The potential diplomatic visit follows significant humanitarian cooperation between the two nations. India has provided approximately 47.5 tonnes of relief materials, including food, medicine, and emergency shelter, to assist Nepal in the aftermath of devastating flash floods. These floods have resulted in at least 389 deaths and left over 1,400 people missing.

Relations were recently bolstered by a meeting between Prime Minister Shah and Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava in April to discuss bilateral development and mutual interests. Additionally, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has communicated directly with Shah to assure continued support for rescue and relief operations.