All eyes are on the three member delegation of the Nepali Congress led by Foreign Minister and head of party's international department Prakash Sharan Mahat that reached New Delhi on Thursday. Back to back visits by high profile leaders, bureaucrats and members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Nepali Congress since Nepal's Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba took over only signals that the two countries have decided to give the informal channel of engagements as much importance as the official government to government dealings.
Udaya Shumsher Rana, former minister of state for finance and a member of Nepali Congress, who is also part of the high level delegation, told India Narrative that the visit is without any official agenda.
Also read: Have India and Nepal quietly started rechartering their bilateral ties?
“This visit has no agenda, it is more to foster our friendship. Earlier BJP member Vijay Chauthaiwale had been to Kathmandu on an invitation. We are reciprocating the visit,” Rana said just after landing in New Delhi.
Chauthaiwale visited Kathmandu in August just after Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was sworn in.
However, amid rapidly changing geopolitical contours, this visit holds immense importance as it signals a shift in policy approach. Going ahead, India and Nepal will follow a multi-thronged approach, exploring all tracks including informal channels to take bilateral relations forward. Apart from the government-to-government dealings, these ‘informal’ party to party meetings will also be given a big thrust.
Such meetings are now expected to become more regular.
“It is important as this visit is part of an initiative taken by both Nepali Congress and the BJP—parties that are leading the governments in the two countries,” Rana added.
Rana also said that this has opened a channel of communication which is more informal. It is not just government to government engagement that the two countries are focused on, but from here we would want to cement relations even through informal channels for which party to party dialogues and meetings will be key,” Rana said.
Also read: Have India and Nepal quietly started rechartering their bilateral ties?
Insiders said that a constant dialogue is the only way to boost trust and strengthen bilateral relations.
Gopal Krishna Agarwal, BJP’s spokesperson on economic affairs said that “India sees Nepal as a very important ally.”
“Nepal is a very important country for India, we share a lot in common, we will do everything to strengthen our relations,” Agarwal said, adding that the Himalayan country was one of the first that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited after assuming charge.
India and Nepal share an open border. While around 6 lakh Indians are living in Nepal about 8 lakh Nepalese have made India their home.
The delegation that reached New Delhi on Thursday, will visit Banaras and Lucknow too.
