NEW DELHI: Nepal will seek Indian financial assistance for flood reconstruction, fresh investment in hydropower and faster implementation of stalled infrastructure projects during Prime Minister Balen Shah’s proposed visit to India in late Nov. Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri is expected in Kathmandu on Nov 4 to prepare the agenda for Shah’s first bilateral foreign visit, which comes after months of diplomatic friction, including a postponed visit by Misri and differences over Lipulekh.
Kathmandu wants the visit to produce concrete financial commitments, stronger energy cooperation and progress on projects that have remained pending despite earlier agreements. Both countries are also exploring infrastructure projects that could be inaugurated or launched during the visit.Shah’s trip is expected in the latter half of Nov, although the dates have not been formally announced. New Indian ambassador Sudhakar Dalela is expected in Kathmandu on Nov 3, a day before Misri’s proposed arrival. The foreign secretary is expected to hold discussions with senior Nepalese officials to finalise the agenda for the prime ministerial visit.