Nepal PM Balen Shah to visit India in November

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah is planning a bilateral visit to India in November, marking his first formal foreign trip since taking office in March. While specific dates are still being finalized, the visit is expected to occur during the third or fourth week of the month.

During the trip, Shah is expected to meet with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior ministers in New Delhi to discuss various bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding. The agenda focuses heavily on infrastructure and energy cooperation. Key projects under consideration for inauguration or commencement include the India-funded Nepal Police Academy, the Dodhara Chandani integrated check post, the Lower Arun hydropower project, and the Siliguri-Jhapa petroleum pipeline.

Hydropower development remains a central pillar of the discussions, with specific focus on projects such as the 750 MW West Seti and other NHPC-related initiatives. The visit follows a tradition of Nepali leaders prioritizing India for their first bilateral engagement, contrasting with recent diplomatic shifts seen in neighboring Bangladesh.