Nepal PM Oli Plans India Visit Amid Speculation of Bilateral Strain

Kathmandu, Jul 18 (PTI) - Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli announced plans to visit India, with preparations reportedly underway from both sides. However, he did not provide specific timing for the visit. This statement comes amidst local media speculation that Oli had not received an official invitation from India, hinting at possible strains in the bilateral relationship.

In an interview with Nepali YouTube channel Dishanirdesh TV, Oli stated, “I will probably embark on a visit to India. My visit to India will take place after the two sides do necessary ground works.”

Oli, who became Prime Minister for the fourth time in July last year and heads the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), initially broke tradition by choosing China as his first foreign visit destination instead of India.

He revealed that he has extended an invitation to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit Nepal, suggesting a visit could happen in November. “I have already sent the invitation to him,” Oli confirmed, adding his visit to India would occur "at an appropriate time.”

Earlier this year, Modi and Oli met during the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok on April 4, providing a platform for dialogue.

Oli dismissed suggestions of India’s disfavor towards him, saying, “India did nothing bad when I became the Prime Minister.”

On regional relations, Oli stressed Nepal’s amiable ties with both India and China. He praised both nations as rising economic powers and expressed hope that Nepal could benefit from their growth, warning against a harmful competitive relationship between the two.

“There should be healthy competition between them. They should choose the path of cordial relations, but not a path that bears tension,” Oli advised.

He noted that harmony between India and China could positively impact Nepal, providing opportunities for cooperation and access to large markets.

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