Jaishankar calls for new momentum in India-Nepal ties

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during a meeting with Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal here on Saturday, said there was an opportunity to “decisively shift the trajectory of India-Nepal relations”.

Khanal outlined his country’s vision for the future of bilateral ties, saying, “We carry no old baggage, only a firm resolve to build a genuinely transformative relationship with our old neighbour and most important partner.”

The meeting comes against the backdrop of a fresh exchange of words between the two neighbours over a simmering border dispute at the India-Nepal-Tibet tri-junction.

“I want today to very clearly and strongly send a message of collaboration and cooperation,” Jaishankar said, adding, “We believe that there is an opportunity to decisively shift the trajectory of India-Nepal relations and realise the full potential of our ties.”

Jaishankar also highlighted the close cooperation between the two countries in maintaining security along their long and uniquely open border. He noted that India and Nepal have consistently stood by each other in times of need.

“In the wake of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, we have ensured uninterrupted fuel supplies to Nepal,” he said.

Later, Jaishankar posted on X that the discussions covered development cooperation, connectivity, energy — particularly hydropower development — education, health, capacity building, digital initiatives, culture and sports.

“Reiterated India’s commitment to work with Nepal for the mutual progress, prosperity and wellbeing of our peoples,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval held extensive talks with Khanal in New Delhi. Security cooperation, border management, connectivity, energy corridors and trade expansion figured prominently in the discussions.

The meetings marked the first high-level bilateral engagement with Prime Minister Balen Shah’s government and signalled a renewed push under India’s Neighbourhood First policy.

Earlier this week, Rabi Lamichhane, president of Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party, visited India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Lamichhane, signalling New Delhi’s outreach to Nepal’s emerging political forces and reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening ties with its Himalayan neighbour.