India has sent ‘formal’ invite to Nepal PM Balendra Shah: MEA
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has formally invited Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah to visit New Delhi. This move follows a period of diplomatic cooling where the Nepali leader previously declined meetings with foreign bureaucrats.
Why it matters
Strengthening diplomatic ties with Nepal is a strategic priority for India to maintain regional influence and cooperation.
India has ‘formally’ invited Nepal’s new Prime Minister Balendra Shah to visit New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Tuesday (July 28, 2026).
This official confirmation comes days after sections of the Nepali media reported that Mr. Shah’s advisor Kumar Ben visited New Delhi in early July and discussed the Nepali PM’s visit with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had congratulated the newly elected PM of Nepal on social media soon after Mr. Shah swept the polls in March. In his message, Mr. Modi had said, “Your appointment reflects the trust reposed in your leadership by the people of Nepal. I look forward to working closely with you to take India-Nepal friendship and cooperation to even greater heights for the mutual benefit of our two peoples.”
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