Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, popularly known as Prachanda, is set to embark on a significant four-day official visit to India. This visit, scheduled to begin on Wednesday, marks Prachanda’s first bilateral visit abroad since assuming office in December 2022. The purpose of the visit is to hold talks with his Indian counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other leaders, with the aim of further strengthening the age-old, multifaceted, and cordial ties between the two neighboring countries.
Prachanda, accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, has been invited by Prime Minister Modi himself. The visit holds immense importance as it signifies the commitment of both nations to maintaining strong bilateral relations. A delegation comprising ministers, secretaries, and senior government officials will accompany Prachanda during his visit.
The agenda for the visit includes a courtesy call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. The main highlight of the visit will be the delegation-level talks between Prachanda and Modi on June 1. Following the talks, the two prime ministers will hold a joint press meet, further emphasizing their commitment to cooperation. Prime Minister Modi will also host a luncheon in honor of Prachanda and his delegation.
In addition to political engagements, Prachanda will address the Nepal-India Business Summit in New Delhi, jointly organized by the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). This presents an excellent opportunity for both countries to explore and enhance economic ties. Prachanda will also have the chance to interact with business leaders from both nations, fostering closer collaboration in trade and investment.
During his visit, Prachanda will take the time to connect with the Nepali community in India. A welcome reception, hosted by Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, will provide a platform for Prachanda to engage with his fellow Nepalis residing in India.
Before returning to Kathmandu on June 3, Prachanda has planned visits to Ujjain and Indore, in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. These visits outside the capital highlight the desire to strengthen ties beyond the political realm and foster people-to-people connections.
This visit by Prachanda aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, which aims to cultivate strong relationships with its South Asian neighbors in various sectors. The visit signifies the deepening of bilateral cooperation in recent years and emphasizes the strategic importance Nepal holds for India in the region.
With a shared border of more than 1,850 km and Nepal’s reliance on India for the transportation of goods and services, the relationship between the two nations extends beyond political and economic dimensions. The “Roti Beti” (bread and daughter) relationship, a reference to the intertwined nature of the two societies, has often been highlighted by leaders from both countries.
Overall, Prachanda’s visit to India represents a crucial step in strengthening the longstanding ties between Nepal and India. It opens up avenues for greater collaboration in various sectors and reaffirms the commitment of both nations to maintaining a robust and mutually beneficial relationship.