What to Expect from PM Balen Shah's Upcoming Diplomatic Meetings with India and China

Prime Minister Balendra Shah, known as Balen, is set to hold crucial bilateral meetings with the ambassadors of India and China, marking his first one-on-one diplomatic engagements since taking office. These discussions come after a period of avoiding individual meetings and are expected to focus on the current state of bilateral relations. With a backdrop of recent communal unrest, Shah aims to strengthen Nepal's ties with its vital neighbors. The meetings will also include a session with the US Embassy's Charge d'Affaires, highlighting the importance of international relations for Nepal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 9, 2026, 16:52 IST

Balen Shah's Diplomatic Engagements Begin

Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, is preparing to engage in separate bilateral discussions with the ambassadors of India and China on Monday. This marks his first individual diplomatic meetings since taking office over 100 days ago.

Shah will first meet with Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava, followed by a session with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming later in the day. Additionally, he is scheduled to meet with the US Embassy's Charge d'Affaires, Scott Urbom, on Tuesday.

Breaking from tradition, Shah previously held a joint meeting on April 8 with 17 ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions, including representatives from India and China, at his office in Singhadurbar.

According to sources from the Foreign Ministry, the meetings were initially postponed due to recent communal unrest in the Terai and Madhesh regions.

The agenda for these meetings is expected to be primarily introductory, allowing the ambassadors to update Shah on the current state of bilateral relations and relay messages from their respective governments.

Shah had previously refrained from one-on-one meetings, even declining to meet with US officials, but made an exception for Asian Development Bank President Masato Kanda during his visit to Nepal in July.

While Shah has not visited either India or China since taking office, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has made significant trips to both countries, emphasizing Nepal's desire to strengthen ties with its southern and northern neighbors.