Nepal's Prime Minister Balen Shah is coming on a proposed India tour from 22nd November. Financial assistance, damage caused by floods, air connectivity and stalled projects may be discussed in his meeting with PM Narendra Modi. Nepal also wants to raise the border dispute.
Kathmandu: Preparations have intensified for Nepal's Prime Minister Balen Shah's visit to India. He can visit New Delhi from 22nd November. During this, his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is proposed on 23 November. In this visit, Nepal wants not only talks on old agreements but also concrete decisions on economic assistance and long pending projects. Kathmandu has also proposed an aid of about 2 billion dollars to India. However, India has not yet approved this package.
Nepal made many big demands before visiting India
Nepal's Prime Minister Balen Shah is going on an official bilateral visit to a country for the first time after assuming office in March 2026. According to media reports, his visit to India is proposed from November 22. However, different information has emerged on whether the journey will be for three days or four days. The final schedule is yet to be officially confirmed.
The most important thing about this tour is the economic needs of Nepal. Kathmandu wants India to provide large sums of money for its development work and reconstruction of flood-affected areas. According to the report, the Nepali government has proposed a total economic assistance of $ 2 billion to India. It seeks a concessional credit line of $1 billion, a grant of $500 million and $500 million for post-flood reconstruction.
Roads, bridges and many other projects were affected by the severe floods in Nepal in August 2026. There was heavy damage especially in Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi area. Nepal now wants to start the necessary construction work in the affected areas soon.
What issues were discussed during Vikram Misri's visit to Nepal?
India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri went on a two-day visit to Nepal on 4 and 5 November. During this, he met Prime Minister Balen Shah and discussed preparations for the high-level talks to be held between the two countries. Misri also met Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Energy Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha. Apart from this, talks were held with Rashtriya Swatantra Party chief Rabi Lamichhane and Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa.
According to a joint statement issued by the Foreign Ministry of Nepal, both the countries talked about increasing cooperation on subjects like trade, energy, road connectivity, water resources and border management. India has also assured Nepal to consider proposals for reconstruction assistance after the damage caused by the floods. However, a final agreement has not yet been reached regarding the amount of the economic package and its terms.
What does Nepal want from India for Pokhara and Bhairahawa airports?
When Nepalese Prime Minister Balen Shah comes to India, the issue of air services may also come up in the talks. Nepal has long wanted India to allow it to use some more air routes. This demand is being made especially for the international airports of Pokhara and Bhairahawa. Both airports are ready, but international flights are not available as expected.
Nepal says that after getting additional air entry route from India, it will become easier for foreign airlines to reach these airports. This may increase tourist traffic. Pokhara is one of the major tourist destinations of Nepal, while Bhairahawa provides convenience to travelers going to Lumbini.
A meeting of civil aviation officials of both the countries is expected in this matter. However, final agreement has not been reached yet regarding additional air routes.
Where are the talks stuck regarding Pancheshwar project?
Nepal also wants to raise the issue of Pancheshwar multi-purpose project during this visit. Talks on this project have been going on between India and Nepal for almost three decades. In the year 1996, both the countries had signed the Mahakali Treaty, under which the Pancheshwar project was to be taken forward. But even after so many years its work has not started.
The biggest problem is regarding the expenditure on the project and distribution of water. The two countries have not been able to completely agree on who will spend how much money on construction and how the benefits of water will be distributed.
Some progress has been made on cost sharing in recent meetings. But there are still differences of opinion on the use of water and its benefits. Nepal wants the officials to discuss these issues again before Balen Shah reaches Delhi. With this, a way forward for the project can be found in the meeting of the two Prime Ministers.
Which projects will be decided in the meeting of Modi and Balen Shah?
Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah's visit to India is proposed from November 22. According to the programme, he may meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on 23 November. Officials of both the countries are busy preparing for this meeting. During this time, consensus can be reached on inaugurating some old projects and starting new works. These include Nepal Police Academy, Bhairahawa Integrated Check Post, bridge over Mahakali River and Lower Arun Hydroelectric Project.
Talks are also being held on increasing rail connectivity. India has informed Nepal that preparations to start rail service between Ayodhya and Janakpur have been completed. Once this service is started, passengers traveling to religious places of both the countries will get convenience.