Nepal's Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to visit India on September 16, 2025, at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This visit, which has been anticipated for some time, comes fourteen months after Oli assumed office. While a formal announcement is pending, officials from both the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have confirmed the invitation and acceptance.
The two-day visit will see Oli arrive in New Delhi on September 16, with bilateral talks planned with Modi the following day, coinciding with the Indian Prime Minister's birthday. Agreements and understandings are expected to be signed during the visit. Although the detailed schedule is still being finalized, sources suggest a short visit.
Oli's visit to India is viewed as an attempt to reset relations that have been strained in recent years. A boundary dispute that flared up in November 2019, following India's release of a new map including Nepal's Kalapani area within Indian territory, had soured relations. Oli's visit to China in December of last year further fueled tensions. Despite these challenges, Oli has expressed a desire to mend ties with India.
Ahead of the visit, crucial meetings of bilateral mechanisms are expected to be held between Nepal and India. A home secretary-level meeting is scheduled to take place in New Delhi, where key issues such as the Extradition Treaty and Mutual Legal Assistance will be discussed. Additionally, the Nepal-India Boundary Working Group will convene to address cross-border administrative issues, with a particular focus on the long-standing border disputes involving Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and surrounding areas.
Despite past setbacks, both sides have maintained engagement through various bilateral mechanisms and ministerial-level exchanges. India considers Nepal a priority partner under its "Neighbourhood First" policy, with frequent high-level exchanges aimed at strengthening ties across various sectors.
During his recent interview, Oli dismissed claims of strained relations with India, asserting that Nepal enjoys good relations with both India and China. He also mentioned that he has invited Modi to visit Nepal in November, if time permits.
The visit is expected to prioritize the implementation of past understandings and push forward selected new projects. Both countries have a strong foundation of cooperation in defense, trade, development, and cultural exchange. Over 7.5 million Nepali nationals live and work in India, highlighting the unique and special relationship between the two countries.
Analysts suggest that Nepal should seize the opportunity to strengthen its relationship with India, especially as India's relations with some of its other neighbors face difficulties. They emphasize the need for open dialogue and a focus on national interests to navigate the evolving global and regional context.
In March 2025, Nepal's Minister for Water Supply visited India, resulting in the signing of an MoU to strengthen cooperation in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector, including Waste Management. Furthermore, the joint military exercise "Surya Kiran" continues to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations.
