Tue Nov 12 15:30:07 UTC 2024: ## Nepal’s PM Oli to Visit China, Skipping India for First Bilateral Trip

**KATHMANDU, November 12, 2024:** In a move seen as a potential sign of strain in India-Nepal relations, Nepali Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli will travel to China in early December, becoming the first Nepali leader to not visit India on his inaugural bilateral trip abroad after assuming office.

Oli, who was sworn in for his fourth term as Prime Minister in July, met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a UN conference in September. However, despite this meeting and a visit to New Delhi by Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba in August, India has not extended an invitation to Oli for a bilateral visit.

Analysts attribute Oli’s decision to visit China first to a number of ongoing issues between India and Nepal, including India’s objections to Chinese investment in joint projects and Nepal’s pending request for additional overflight routes from India for its newly built airports.

Oli’s visit to China follows a similar pattern set by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who also chose to visit other countries before making a trip to India earlier this year.

The Nepali government is seeking a waiver on a $220 million loan from China for the construction of the Pokhara International Airport, which has yet to attract regular international flights due to restrictions imposed by India. Oli is also expected to discuss Nepal’s concerns over India’s alleged “go-slow” approach on granting BIS certification to Nepali exports containing Chinese components, as well as its reluctance to purchase hydropower from Chinese-funded projects.

While the Nepali government and some citizens support a loan waiver, analysts warn of potential negative impacts on Nepal’s credit rating and future borrowing capacity. They also highlight India’s security concerns as a reason behind the lack of overflight permissions.

Oli’s visit to China, scheduled from December 2 to 6, is expected to focus on implementing agreements reached during previous visits by Nepali leaders to China, including Nepal’s 2019 decision to join the Belt and Road Initiative.

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