Nepal has signaled a potential India visit by Prime Minister Balen Shah, but conflicting statements from top officials have created confusion over the plan. The uncertainty highlights coordination gaps within the government on a key foreign policy move.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the government has already given “in-principle approval” for the visit following an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, the Prime Minister’s Office has denied any such discussion, deepening uncertainty.
Conflicting Signals From Government Offices
Speaking from Mauritius during the Indian Ocean Conference, Khanal told Indian outlet WION that Modi extended the invitation alongside a congratulatory message to Shah after the elections.
According to Khanal, Prime Minister Shah has accepted the invitation, but the exact date and schedule are yet to be finalized through diplomatic channels. But in Kathmandu, officials from the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said they were unaware of any formal discussion regarding the India visit.
“We are not aware of such talks,” a member of the Prime Minister’s Secretariat said, contradicting the foreign minister’s remarks.
Diplomatic Engagements Continue Behind the Scenes
Khanal also revealed that multiple levels of communication between Nepal and India have taken place since the elections.
He said he recently met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mauritius, marking their first formal interaction. The two sides discussed a range of bilateral issues and the need to define Nepal’s priorities under the new government.
Khanal emphasized that Nepal is currently focused on setting its internal policy priorities before moving ahead with high-level diplomatic visits.
Focus on Internal Priorities Before High-Level Visits
Nepal and India have around 40 bilateral mechanisms covering various sectors, Khanal noted, indicating that structured engagement remains active despite the current confusion. He said both sides agreed to first finalize internal priorities and then proceed with high-level visits, including the prime minister’s potential trip to India.
Political and Diplomatic Implications Grow
The mixed messaging has raised questions about coordination within Nepal’s government, especially on sensitive foreign policy matters involving India. A visit by Prime Minister Shah to India would carry significant political and diplomatic weight, particularly as the new government seeks to redefine its external relations.
Until an official confirmation emerges, the uncertainty surrounding the visit is likely to fuel further speculation about Nepal’s foreign policy direction.
