Kathmandu [Nepal], November 14 – Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is preparing to visit India in the first week of Mangsir, nearly eight months after assuming office with calls growing for the visit to deliver concrete economic benefits.
Although preparations are reportedly underway, neither Nepal nor India has officially announced the visit. Shah has also yet to begin consultations to gather suggestions ahead of the trip.
Former Foreign Minister and Nepali Congress leader NP Saud has urged the government to prioritise economic cooperation, energy, investment, tourism, air connectivity and border disputes during the visit.
Speaking to KathmanduPati, Saud stressed the need for firm Indian commitments to attract investment into Nepal and advance long-delayed infrastructure projects including the Pancheshwar, Upper Karnali and Lower Arun hydropower projects.
He also called for greater access to Indian electricity markets and opportunities to export Nepali power to third countries through India.
Saud said Nepal should seek India’s support to fully operationalise the international airports in Pokhara and Bhairahawa, expand international flights and secure additional air entry routes. He also proposed exploring a Janakpur-Ayodhya railway link to promote religious tourism.
On border issues he urged diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes involving Kalapani, Lipulekh and Susta through historical evidence and existing treaties.
Saud cautioned against expecting all outstanding issues to be resolved during a single visit.
