Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli to first visit India early February

Nepalese Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli will travel to New Delhi early in February on his first official foreign visit, his close aide said on Wednesday, scotching speculation that the Communist leader would visit China ahead of India.

Deputy prime minister and foreign minister Kamal Thapa made the announcement, saying some agreements would also be signed with India to implement past understandings during his visit, amid hiccups in Indo-Nepal ties over the Madhesi issue. Madhesis, largely of Indian-origin, are agitating over the new Constitution demanding more representation. They are also protesting division of their ancestral homeland under the seven-province structure and have led an ongoing blockade of key border trade points with India.

“We have very important and cordial relations with India,” Mr Thapa said.