Kathmandu, August 15
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to embark on an official visit to India after returning from China, where he will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Beijing on August 31 and September 1.
Oli’s India visit is scheduled for August 31, with discussions on preparations to be held during the upcoming visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Bikram Misri to Kathmandu this Sunday. This will be Oli’s first visit to India since assuming office 14 months ago, and it is expected to break some traditions of past visits.
Unlike previous prime ministerial visits to India, Oli’s trip is likely to last only two days, making it possibly the shortest official visit to India by a Nepali prime minister. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oli and his delegation will depart on August 31 and return to Kathmandu on September 1.
Another change in tradition is expected in the venue of the meeting between Prime Minister Oli and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Instead of the customary talks at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, the two leaders are preparing to meet in Bodh Gaya, the sacred site where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment.
Further details of the visit are yet to be finalised, with discussions expected during Misri’s Kathmandu trip. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the visit will focus less on major new agendas and more on strengthening bilateral ties, maintaining past agreements, and advancing a few new projects.
