Five key issues on the agenda during Prime Minister Shah’s India visit
Summary
Prime Minister Balendra Shah is set to visit India from November 22 to 25 for his first official bilateral trip, with Nepal seeking post-flood reconstruction aid and progress on longstanding bilateral issues. The agenda includes assistance for disaster recovery, new air routes, the Pancheshwar project, border disputes and the launch of several India-backed projects.
Key Points
- Prime Minister Balendra Shah will make his first official bilateral visit to India from November 22 to 25 and meet Narendra Modi on November 23.
- Nepal is seeking $2 billion in assistance for post-flood reconstruction, including concessional loans, grants and rehabilitation support.
- Kathmandu wants progress on new air-entry routes, the long-delayed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project and unresolved border disputes involving Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Susta.
- The visit is expected to produce launches and inaugurations of India-backed projects, including the Nepal Police Academy, bridges, an integrated check post, the Lower Arun hydropower project and a petroleum pipeline.
