https://sputniknews.in/20260608/nepal-seeks-stronger-engagement-with-india-reaffirms-close-ties-with-russia-11190433.html
Nepal Seeks Stronger Engagement with India, Reaffirms Close Ties with Russia
Nepal Seeks Stronger Engagement with India, Reaffirms Close Ties with Russia
Sputnik India
Speaking to Sputnik India, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the visit helped strengthen bilateral dialogue and underscored the importance of... 08.06.2026, Sputnik India
2026-06-08T23:22+0530
2026-06-08T23:22+0530
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Speaking after meetings with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the minister said the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral dialogue and outlining the priorities of Nepal's new government.Restarting High-Level Nepal–India EngagementThe minister noted that the last top-level discussions between Nepal and India had taken place nearly two years ago, making it important to resume regular engagement.He described his discussions with Indian officials as warm, productive, and encouraging, expressing optimism about future cooperation between the two countries.More Bilateral Visits ExpectedFollowing the meetings in New Delhi, the minister said he expects a series of high-level exchanges between Nepal and India in the coming months.The remarks signal a renewed effort by both countries to deepen political dialogue and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.Foreign Policy Focused on Governance and Economic GrowthAccording to the minister, Nepal's foreign policy is closely linked to its domestic priorities, particularly improving governance and accelerating economic development.He identified two key objectives of the government's agenda:The minister said Nepal's international engagement is guided by what the government calls "development diplomacy," aimed at creating opportunities for young Nepalis to build successful careers at home rather than seeking employment abroad.Addressing Challenges in Nepal–India RelationsWhile describing Nepal–India ties as vital and multifaceted, the minister acknowledged that several issues continue to require attention, including border management, boundary disputes, trade, and connectivity.However, he stressed that both countries possess the political will to resolve differences through dialogue.Nepal Reaffirms Longstanding Ties with RussiaAsked about Nepal's position regarding Russia amid ongoing global tensions, the minister emphasized that Kathmandu continues to value its longstanding relationship with Moscow.He noted that while economic engagement between the two countries has historically been limited, political and bilateral relations remain positive.The minister also highlighted decades of educational and people-to-people exchanges, recalling how many Nepali students studied in the Soviet Union through scholarship programs during the 1960s and 1970s.He added that maintaining and enhancing relations with Russia remains an ongoing priority for Nepal's government.Looking AheadThe visit marks an important step in reactivating top-level diplomacy between Nepal and India after a prolonged gap. At the same time, Kathmandu continues to pursue a balanced foreign policy focused on economic development, regional cooperation, and maintaining longstanding international partnerships, including with Russia.
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Nepal Seeks Stronger Engagement with India, Reaffirms Close Ties with Russia
23:22 08.06.2026 (Updated: 11:15 09.06.2026) Speaking to Sputnik India, Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the visit helped strengthen bilateral dialogue and underscored the importance of maintaining close cooperation between Nepal and India.
Speaking after meetings with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, the minister said the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral dialogue and outlining the priorities of Nepal's new government.
Restarting High-Level Nepal–India Engagement
The minister noted that the last top-level discussions between Nepal and India had taken place nearly two years ago, making it important to resume regular engagement.
"I came to India with two broad goals. One was to start high-level engagements between the two countries, and the second was to communicate the priorities of Nepal's new government regarding Nepal–India relations."
He described his discussions with Indian officials as warm, productive, and encouraging, expressing optimism about future cooperation between the two countries.
More Bilateral Visits Expected
Following the meetings in New Delhi, the minister said he expects a series of high-level exchanges between Nepal and India in the coming months.
"Now that the process of high-level engagement has opened, I do expect other senior-level visits to take place on both sides over the next few months."
The remarks signal a renewed effort by both countries to
deepen political dialogue and strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
Foreign Policy Focused on Governance and Economic Growth
According to the minister, Nepal's foreign policy is closely linked to its domestic priorities, particularly improving governance and accelerating economic development.
He identified two key objectives of the government's agenda:
Strengthening good governance.
Promoting economic growth and employment opportunities.
The minister said Nepal's international engagement is guided by what the government calls "development diplomacy," aimed at creating opportunities for young Nepalis to build successful careers at home rather than seeking employment abroad.
"We are looking at foreign policy through the lens of economic growth and creating opportunities for Nepali youth to live, work, and have meaningful opportunities in Nepal itself."
Addressing Challenges in Nepal–India Relations
While describing Nepal–India ties as vital and multifaceted, the minister acknowledged that several issues continue to require attention, including border management, boundary disputes, trade, and connectivity.
However, he stressed that both countries possess the political will to resolve differences through dialogue.
"There is no challenge that we cannot overcome. We will put issues on the table, discuss them jointly, and solve them as and when required."
Nepal Reaffirms Longstanding Ties with Russia
Asked about Nepal's position regarding Russia amid
ongoing global tensions, the minister emphasized that Kathmandu continues to value its longstanding relationship with Moscow.
He noted that while economic engagement between the two countries has historically been limited, political and bilateral relations remain positive.
The minister also highlighted decades of educational and people-to-people exchanges, recalling how many Nepali students studied in the Soviet Union through scholarship programs during the 1960s and 1970s.
"We have had a very long historical relationship with Russia, and we continue to maintain close bilateral ties. Our political and bilateral relationships are good, and people-to-people contacts remain robust."
He added that maintaining and enhancing relations with Russia remains an ongoing priority for Nepal's government.
The visit marks an important step in reactivating top-level diplomacy between Nepal and India after a prolonged gap. At the same time, Kathmandu continues to pursue a balanced foreign policy focused on economic development, regional cooperation, and maintaining longstanding international partnerships, including with Russia.
