As Nepal continues to grapple with the devastating aftermath of flash floods that have claimed hundreds of lives, Prime Minister Balendra 'Balen' Shah could make his first foreign visit since taking charge in March and India is likely to be his first destination.
The proposed visit, expected to take place before the end of the year, comes at a crucial moment for Nepal as rescue and recovery operations continue in areas along the Nepal-Tibet border. The floods have left at least 389 people dead and thousands missing, while large-scale destruction has been reported across villages, roads and bridges.
India emerges as likely first destination
Nepal's Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle indicated that preparations for Shah's international engagements have begun, although a final schedule is yet to be decided.
Speaking at an NDTV summit in Kathmandu on Thursday, Wagle expressed confidence that New Delhi would be the first stop on Shah's foreign travel itinerary.
'We've begun to discuss the Prime Minister's visits abroad. I am pretty confident that his first visit abroad will be to India, and the dates will need to be worked out, but I am very hopeful that this will happen before the end of the year,' Wagle said.
The visit, if finalised, would come against the backdrop of renewed attention on India-Nepal ties following New Delhi's immediate response to Nepal's flood emergency.
India first to send disaster relief
India was the first country to extend emergency assistance after the floods struck Nepal. An Indian Air Force C-130J aircraft transported an initial 10 tonnes of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief supplies to the affected country.
India subsequently sent another 37.5 tonnes of relief material, taking the total assistance provided to Nepal to 47.5 tonnes.
The floods have created a challenging situation for rescue teams, with torrents of water, mud and debris sweeping through settlements and damaging critical infrastructure. Thousands of people are still unaccounted for as search operations continue.
Balen Shah thanks PM Modi
India's relief efforts have also drawn a public response from Shah. Nepal's Prime Minister's Office said on X on Wednesday that Kathmandu 'deeply appreciates' Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'warm words of solidarity' and 'generous offer of assistance'.
Shah said the gesture underlined the longstanding relationship between the two neighbouring countries.
'This gesture of solidarity is a reflection of the enduring bonds of friendship between our two countries, which we profoundly value,' Shah said.
Modi had earlier spoken to Shah and conveyed his condolences over the loss of lives. He also assured Nepal of 'all possible humanitarian assistance' and said teams from both countries were coordinating rescue and relief operations.