In a major diplomatic move aimed at thawing ties and setting the stage for an official state visit, Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s Chief Political Advisor, Kumar Ben, secretly visited New Delhi in early July to meet India’s National Security Advisor (NSA), Ajit Doval.
Accompanying Ben was close associate Roshan Khadka. Sources from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) revealed that the delegation also held high-level discussions with senior officials from India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The low-profile visit follows recent high-level engagements by foreign diplomats, including Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal and RSP Chairman Rabi Lamichhane, who had previously briefed Indian leadership on the new Nepal government’s core priorities. However, Ben’s targeted mission focused specifically on laying the groundwork for Prime Minister Shah’s upcoming visit to India.
"NSA Doval was briefed on the Balen government’s neighborhood policy and strategic priorities. Detailed discussions took place regarding potential agendas and logistics," said a senior PMO official aware of the developments. "While exact dates are yet to be finalized, both sides agreed to move forward with joint preparations."
According to sources, Doval emphasized that PM Shah—who secured a decisive mandate as a youth leader—should visit India as soon as possible to leverage the current political momentum. Doval, a crucial figure in shaping India's foreign policy on Nepal and a trusted confidant of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expressed India's eager readiness to welcome Shah in New Delhi.
The strategic outreach comes after brief diplomatic turbulence. Ties between Kathmandu and New Delhi had reportedly cooled after PM Shah initially declined meeting requests with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. However, Ben’s trip—conducted in close consultation with RSP Chairman Lamichhane—signals Kathmandu's strong commitment to rebuilding momentum.
Following Ben’s debriefing in Kathmandu, PM Shah is now set to hold a direct, one-on-one meeting with Ambassador Srivastava later this week. Sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicate that PM Shah is attempting to complete his India trip before September 8, prior to leading the Nepali delegation to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
Simultaneously, speculative reports suggest Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi may undertake a swift religious visit to Nepal during the holy month of Shrawan. Security officials noted that Prime Minister Modi could travel on a special charter flight to offer prayers at the revered Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and potentially visit Lumbini.
.
