Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to undertake an official visit to India on September 16, marking his first trip to the southern neighbour in 14 months since assuming office. The visit will follow his participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in China, scheduled for August 31 and September 1 in Beijing.
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will arrive in Kathmandu on Sunday with an invitation for Oli on behalf of Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Misri, on a two-day visit, will meet President Ram Chandra Poudel, Prime Minister Oli, and Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana Deuba and hand over a formal invitation from Indian PM Modi.
Oli’s trip to India this time is poised to depart from long-held diplomatic practices. Sources at Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Oli’s delegation will spend just two days in India, returning to Kathmandu the day after arrival — potentially the shortest official visit to India by any former Nepali prime minister.
In another notable shift, bilateral talks with Modi will be held in Bodh Gaya, Bihar — the site of Buddha’s enlightenment — rather than the customary Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The symbolic choice of venue underscores shared cultural heritage, but details of the agenda remain undisclosed. Officials hint at a focus on advancing previous understandings, deepening bilateral ties, and initiating select new projects, rather than announcing sweeping new agreements.
