PM Shah’s diplomatic journey to redefine Nepal-India relations

The trip could be a rare moment when history stops dictating the future of Nepal-India ties.

In keeping with the tradition of Nepali government heads making India their first foreign trip, Prime Minister Balendra Shah is expected to visit New Delhi soon. Speaking to The Post on Saturday, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal revealed that Modi had extended a formal invitation right after Shah assumed office on March 27. It is also heartening to learn that both sides are determined to make the visit count by going above and beyond its symbolic value. Kathmandu and New Delhi seem to be in a mood for reset in bilateral ties after the topsy-turvy relationship under KP Oli, the previous, three-time Nepali prime minister. New Delhi had been increasingly hesitant of doing business with Oli, starting with his dogged nationalist stand during the 2015-16 border blockade. India’s initial suspicions of Oli—who was often projected south of the border as ‘China’s man’ in Kathmandu—solidified when Oli took the initiative to amend Nepal’s constitution to include a new map of Nepal. This map showed the territories of Kalapani, Limpiadhura and Lipulekh—all of which India claims—as falling firmly inside Nepali territories. He mocked India’s national emblem and made dubious claims like Nepal rather than India being the birthplace of Lord Ram.