Long list of agenda items, but little preparation for PM Balen’s India visit

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri spent Wednesday in a series of high-level meetings in Kathmandu, holding discussions with Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and other senior officials. The main purpose of the meetings was to assess progress in preparations for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s upcoming visit to New Delhi and ensure it produces concrete results.

However, according to high-level diplomatic sources, the Indian side has not been particularly encouraged by the state of preparations following Misri’s visit. Based on the discussions held by Misri and the progress made so far, the agenda for Shah’s planned visit to India in the first week of Mangsir appears extensive, but preparations remain weak.

Various ministries and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have been discussing proposals ranging from seeking $2 billion in loans and grants from India to securing air routes for Bhairahawa airport.