High-level talks scheduled as External Affairs Minister Jaishankar visits Kathmandu

New Delhi, Jan 3: External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar is set to embark on a crucial visit to Kathmandu from January 4 to 5, 2024. The invitation was extended by Mr. N.P. Saud, the Foreign Minister of Nepal, has paved the way for the co-chairing of the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission.

Established in 1987, the India-Nepal Joint Commission provides a strategic platform for both ministers to comprehensively assess and evaluate various facets of the bilateral partnership between the two neighbouring nations.

During this visit, Dr. Jaishankar is scheduled to engage with the leadership of Nepal, holding discussions with prominent political figures. As a priority partner under India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, Nepal underscores the significance of the high-level exchanges between the two nations.

India and Nepal share a unique bond characterised by an open border and deep-rooted people-to-people connections of kinship and culture. The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, dating back to 1950, forms the bedrock of the special ties between the two nations.

Key topics on the agenda will likely include discussions on electricity purchase, connectivity, and trade. Additionally, the visit may witness the inauguration of development projects completed with Indian assistance.

The talks between Minister Jaishankar and the Nepalese leadership may include an agreement on India purchasing 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal within the next decade and also strengthening connectivity by road, rail, and rivers, as well as boosting trade between the two nations.

The groundwork for such agreements was laid during Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to India in June 2023.