Nepal’s Foreign Minister Meets NSA Doval in Delhi, June 06

Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval on June 5, marking the first official Cabinet-level visit from Nepal’s new government since March 2026. The meeting focused on security cooperation, border management, and intelligence sharing. This visit signals India and Nepal’s commitment to strengthening their partnership across multiple sectors including trade, investment, and regional stability.

First Cabinet Visit Since Nepal’s New Government

Khanal is the first minister from Prime Minister Balen Shah’s Cabinet to visit India at an official level since Nepal’s new government took office in March 2026. This government replaced an interim administration that followed the September 2025 Gen-Z uprising against former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli. The visit runs from June 5 to 7 and includes meetings with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other high-ranking Indian officials.

Security and Border Disputes Top the Agenda

The discussions between Doval and Khanal focused extensively on border management, intelligence sharing, and maintaining regional stability. Ahead of the visit, Khanal met veteran Nepali diplomat Bhek Bahadur Thapa, who coordinates the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG). Thapa handed over a previously unreleased EPG report on bilateral issues including border disputes. The EPG was formed after the 2015-2016 blockade to address long-standing disagreements between the two nations.

Broad Cooperation Across Trade and Development

India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the two nations have an expansive agenda spanning development cooperation, people-to-people ties, trade, and investment. Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said the visit will enhance cooperation across trade, investment, connectivity, energy, and cultural ties. Khanal previously met External Affairs Minister Jaishankar in Mauritius in April on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean Conference.

Strategic Dialogue Continues in New Delhi

After meeting Doval, Khanal attended a round table discussion organized by the India Foundation on June 5 evening. The two officials discussed various issues aimed at strengthening Nepal-India bilateral relations. India’s External Affairs Ministry emphasized its commitment to further strengthen the multifaceted partnership with Nepal, signaling that this visit marks a continuation of deepening institutional engagement between the two countries.

Final Thoughts

Khanal’s visit marks a shift toward closer security coordination between India and Nepal under the new Kathmandu government. The focus on border management and intelligence sharing suggests both nations prioritize regional stability over longstanding territorial disputes.

FAQs

Disclaimer:

The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes.  Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.