Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval in New Delhi on Friday, as the two sides reviewed a range of issues aimed at further strengthening the longstanding partnership between India and Nepal.

According to the Nepal Embassy in India, the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest and ways to deepen bilateral cooperation across sectors. The engagement comes during Khanal’s first official visit to India since assuming office and reflects the continued momentum in high-level exchanges between the neighbouring countries.

In a statement shared on social media, the embassy said the discussions centred on enhancing Nepal-India relations and advancing cooperation on key bilateral issues.

First Official India Visit Since Taking Office

Khanal arrived in India on Friday for a two-day official visit and is scheduled to hold talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday before returning to Nepal on Sunday.

Welcoming the Nepalese foreign minister, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the visit continues the tradition of regular high-level interactions between the two countries and is expected to further strengthen the special partnership shared by India and Nepal.

The visit assumes added significance as it marks the highest-level official engagement from the government of Nepal since Prime Minister Balendra Shah took office in March this year.

Wide-Ranging Agenda On Cooperation

Addressing a weekly media briefing, Jaiswal indicated that discussions between the two sides would cover a broad spectrum of issues. He noted that India and Nepal maintain an expansive bilateral agenda encompassing development cooperation, people-to-people ties, trade, investment and connectivity.

India has consistently emphasised the importance of its close cultural, economic and strategic relationship with Nepal, one of its key neighbours under its neighbourhood-first policy. Officials from both countries are expected to explore ways to further deepen cooperation in infrastructure development, cross-border connectivity and economic engagement.

The discussions are also likely to review progress on ongoing development projects and examine avenues for expanding collaboration in areas that directly benefit citizens on both sides of the border.

Border Issues Likely To Feature In Talks

During the media briefing, Jaiswal was asked whether Khanal’s visit would include discussions on recent remarks by Nepal’s leadership concerning territorial issues between the two countries.

In response, he reiterated that India has already clarified its position on border-related matters and pointed to the existence of a bilateral mechanism designed to address and resolve such issues through dialogue.

“The meeting will cover all relevant bilateral issues,” Jaiswal said, while noting that updates on any future high-level engagements would be provided at an appropriate time.

The visit is being closely watched as both countries seek to maintain positive momentum in relations amid evolving regional dynamics. Analysts view the talks as an opportunity to reinforce diplomatic engagement, address outstanding concerns and advance cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to connectivity and development partnerships.

With meetings scheduled between senior officials and ministers over the weekend, both sides are expected to reaffirm their commitment to a stable, constructive and mutually beneficial relationship rooted in deep historical, cultural and people-to-people ties.

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