Kathmandu, 25 April: Prime Minister Balen Shah is set to visit the neighboring country India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that this will be his first foreign visit since assuming office as Prime Minister, beginning with India.
During a regular press briefing on Friday, Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Thapa Chhetri informed journalists that preparations for Prime Minister Shah’s visit to India have already begun.
According to him, the invitation for the visit was extended by the Government of India through Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. He said, “The visit is confirmed. Currently, only preliminary preparations have begun. The ministry will make it public once the exact date and modality are finalized.”
It has been a longstanding diplomatic tradition for newly appointed governments in Nepal or neighboring countries to prioritize visits to neighboring nations. India’s foreign policy also clearly emphasizes “Neighborhood First.” Accordingly, after being appointed for a second term, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first visit to Lumbini, Nepal. Similarly, it has been a consistent tradition for newly appointed Nepali Prime Ministers to make their first foreign visit to either India or China.
More than 30,000 Nepalis have returned home
At the press conference, the spokesperson also stated that although the impact of conflict in West Asia has temporarily subsided, the situation remains sensitive. Therefore, the ministry is working with high priority to ensure the safety of Nepali citizens employed abroad.
He added that Nepal continues its diplomatic efforts to promote lasting peace in West Asia.
Regarding Amrit Jha of Udayapur, who was arrested by Iranian forces, the spokesperson said that his release process is not yet complete and legal proceedings are ongoing. Jha, along with six others, had been detained even before the conflict began. Four of them have been released after completing all procedures, while the process for Jha and two others has taken longer.
Ramkaji Khadka, head of the West Asia, Central Asia, and Africa Division, informed that with the reopening of airspace for flights, all types of labor approvals for those traveling to foreign employment destinations have been resumed.
