In a major diplomatic push to redefine bilateral relations, Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shisir Khanal, met with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar in New Delhi to discuss a wide array of cross-border issues. Representing Nepal’s newly formed government, Minister Khanal emphasized that Kathmandu carries a decisive mandate focused on good governance, economic transformation, and result-driven diplomacy.
“We carry no old baggage, only a firm resolve to build a genuinely transformative relationship with our close neighbour and most important partner,” Khanal stated during the high-level delegation talks. He reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s sentiment that both nations are joint stakeholders of an ancient civilisation, expressing a strong desire to translate this historical bond into a modern, development-oriented partnership. Khanal also extended his gratitude to India for ensuring the uninterrupted supply of fuel and fertilisers, especially during the ongoing West Asia crisis.
Responding warmly, Minister Jaishankar highlighted the strong alignment between the strategic objectives of the Nepalese government and India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ initiatives. He noted that the recent visit of Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane demonstrated the high importance both sides accord to this relationship.
Jaishankar stressed that while traditional sectors like trade, commerce, energy, and open-border security remain anchored in mutual trust, a golden opportunity now exists to transition into modern domains. He urged both sides to decisively shift the trajectory of their ties by collaborating on artificial intelligence, startups, information technology, and renewable energy. Concluding the talks on an optimistic note, Jaishankar reiterated India’s unwavering commitment to working alongside Nepal to guarantee the mutual progress, prosperity, and long-term wellbeing of both nations.
