Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah met Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, six months after the diplomat's proposed visit was postponed amid reports that Shah had declined to meet him. The meeting focused on preparations for the Nepalese leader's expected India visit later this month and cooperation in trade, energy, infrastructure and post-flood reconstruction.
Misri called on Shah at the Prime Minister's Office in Singha Durbar on Thursday before concluding his two-day visit to Nepal. He conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed possible agreements during Shah's forthcoming visit to New Delhi.
According to a joint statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussions covered ongoing bilateral projects and cooperation in several sectors.
Why Vikram Misri's earlier Nepal visit was postponed
The meeting came nearly six months after Misri's planned visit on May 11 and 12 was deferred. At the time, The Kathmandu Post reported that Shah had refused to meet foreign officials below the rank of foreign minister.
Indian officials had cited scheduling commitments for the postponement. Nepalese officials, however, had also referred to disagreements over Lipulekh, a territory claimed by both countries.
The latest meeting took place ahead of Shah's proposed India visit from November 22 to 25, during which he is expected to hold talks with Modi on November 23. The dates are yet to be formally announced.
Nepal seeks $2 billion assistance from India
Economic assistance is expected to feature in the prime ministerial talks, with Kathmandu seeking about USD 2 billion from New Delhi for development and reconstruction projects.
According to The Kathmandu Post, Nepal has proposed USD 1 billion in concessional loans, USD 500 million in grants and another USD 500 million for rehabilitation following the devastating August floods.
During Thursday's meeting, Shah thanked India for providing relief materials and rescue assistance after the disaster.
Misri also held separate meetings with Nepalese Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and other senior officials.
Both sides reviewed cooperation in hydropower, transport, trade, connectivity and aviation. Misri also discussed preparations for an Ayodhya-Janakpur railway service.
The proposed India visit will be Shah's first official bilateral trip since assuming office in March. Kathmandu is also seeking progress on additional air routes and the delayed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.
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