Sat Feb 22 15:35:41 UTC 2025: ## Nepal Awaits Indian Invitation for PM Oli’s Visit
**Muscat, Oman —** Nepal is awaiting an official invitation for Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to visit India, Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba revealed in an interview with The Hindu on Saturday. While expressing hope for a meeting between Mr. Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the upcoming BIMSTEC summit in Bangkok in April, Ms. Deuba stated that an invitation for a visit to New Delhi is expected in the first half of 2025.
The delay in extending the traditional invitation has raised concerns about strained relations between the two nations. Mr. Oli’s November 2024 visit to Beijing, following perceived delays from India, is believed to have exacerbated the situation. However, Ms. Deuba emphasized cordial talks with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, focusing on trade, hydropower projects, and overflight rights for Nepali airports.
While acknowledging the delay, Ms. Deuba attributed it to India’s state assembly elections. She dismissed suggestions that Mr. Oli’s participation in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was the cause of the strained relationship, emphasizing Nepal’s commitment to its non-aligned status and its intention to pursue BRI projects primarily on a grant basis, rather than through loans. She also confirmed that a solution has been found to Indian objections regarding hydropower projects connected to China’s Cross-Border South Asian Energy Grid. Regarding overflight rights, she expressed optimism for a resolution utilizing higher altitude flight paths.
Concerns were also raised regarding the freeze on funding from the U.S. Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a $500 million development assistance grant crucial for Nepal’s economic independence. Ms. Deuba expressed uncertainty about the future of the project under the current U.S. administration.
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