Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal visits India to boost bilateral ties

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal arrived in New Delhi on June 5 for a three‑day official visit, his first since the Rastriya Swatantrata Party formed the government. During the trip he met India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, discussing trade, investment, connectivity projects and border issues. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said the talks aim to further strengthen the “special partnership” and “multifaceted” cooperation between the neighboring countries.

The visit follows a broader diplomatic outreach, including Rastriya Swatantrata Party leader Rabi Lamichhane’s meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, and comes after Nepal’s prime minister alleged Indian encroachment on its territory. India has rejected third‑party involvement in the boundary dispute, emphasizing direct bilateral dialogue.

Overall, the engagements seek to deepen economic ties, improve railway, road and air links, and address lingering security and border concerns between Nepal and India.