Kathmandu, Aug 17: Indian External Affairs Secretary Bikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today, marking the beginning of his two-day official visit to Nepal. Misri arrived in Kathmandu at the invitation of Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, with the agenda expected to focus on strengthening bilateral ties and discussing regional cooperation.

Following his meeting with Prime Minister Oli at Baluwatar, Secretary Misri is scheduled to meet President Ram Chandra Poudel at Shital Niwas. The back-to-back engagements underline the importance India places on high-level political dialogue with Nepal, especially at a time when regional dynamics demand closer cooperation.

After his interaction with the President, Misri will proceed to Budhanilkantha for a meeting with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba. Shortly afterward, he will head to Khumaltar for talks with UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’ According to sources, Prachanda will hold separate bilateral talks with Nepal’s Foreign Ministry Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, highlighting the growing role of party-level consultations alongside government-to-government interactions.

Later in the day, Misri will hold discussions with Foreign Minister Dr Arju Rana Deuba, where a wide range of issues including trade, connectivity, border management, and development cooperation are expected to feature prominently. The series of meetings reflect India’s outreach across Nepal’s political spectrum, ensuring engagement with both ruling and opposition parties.

The visit will conclude with a dinner reception hosted by Foreign Secretary Rai in honor of Secretary Misri, providing an opportunity for informal discussions and further strengthening diplomatic ties.

Before wrapping up his stay, Secretary Misri is also scheduled to visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple on August 10, underscoring the cultural and spiritual ties between the two neighboring countries.

Analysts note that Misri’s engagements come at a crucial time, as Nepal and India continue to navigate regional security concerns, cross-border economic projects, and people-to-people relations. His visit is expected to lay the groundwork for further high-level exchanges in the coming months, consolidating Nepal–India relations at both political and cultural levels.