The date for Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s proposed visit to India is likely to be postponed.
The visit was planned for September 16-17. However, Indian media outlets have reported that the date may be deferred.
Indian online newspaper The Print reported on Thursday, quoting sources, that PM Oli’s visit to India is unlikely to occur in September.
Following an agreement in August between China and India to reopen trade through the Lipulekh pass, Nepal had claimed that the area is part of its territory. This issue has been cited as a reason for the uncertainty surrounding the visit.
After China and India agreed to resume trade through Lipulekh, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement asserting that the area is an integral part of Nepal’s territory.
In response, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs also issued a statement, rejecting Nepal’s claim. It stated that “such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.”
During his recent visit to China, PM Oli raised objections with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the issue. In response, China stated that it respects Nepal’s sovereignty.
However, PM Oli’s secretariat clarified that no date for the India visit had been fixed, so the question of postponement does not arise.
“The date for the prime minister’s visit to India has not been determined,” said Ramsharan Bajagain, the prime minister’s press coordinator. “How can a date that hasn’t been set be postponed? An invitation has been received, and the visit will take place at a suitable time.”
During his two-day official visit to Nepal on August 17-18, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri had visited Baluwatar and personally extended an invitation for a visit to PM Oli.
Although a formal invitation was extended, no date was finalized.
Joint Secretary Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that the date is yet to be fixed.
“The Indian foreign secretary handed over the invitation letter for the visit and returned. Efforts are underway to determine a suitable date for the visit,” he said.
Oli has not yet visited India since he was appointed prime minister on July 14, 2024.
