Kathmandu, November 5
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has expressed interest in exploring ways Nepal and India could cooperate in developing Nepal’s sports sector during a meeting with Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday.
According to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Shah raised the issue during a courtesy meeting with Misri, who is in Nepal on a two-day visit.
Shah, who had previously declined diplomatic meetings citing protocol concerns, has recently begun meeting diplomatic officials visiting Nepal. Misri had reportedly planned to visit Nepal earlier as well, but diplomatic circles said the visit did not take place after Shah declined to meet him.
Misri’s latest visit comes as preparations are underway for Shah’s upcoming visit to India.
During Thursday’s meeting, Shah thanked the Indian government for its assistance following the devastating floods in the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi area. He expressed appreciation for India’s role as a first responder, including the supply of relief materials and deployment of rescue teams.
Misri conveyed a message from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is stepping up preparations for Shah’s upcoming visit to India.
He also briefed Shah on the successful completion of regular meetings of bilateral mechanisms covering energy, water resources, trade and transit, and aviation.
Misri further informed Shah that preparations had been completed for operating a railway service between Ayodhya in India and Janakpur in Nepal. A trial run on the route was conducted on Thursday.
