In an effort to give a boost to historical ties between the two countries, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Nepal on May 16 on the occasion of Buddha Purnima. It will be his first visit to Nepal after becoming Prime Minister for the second time in 2019.
Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, accompanied by his spouse Arzu Deuba, paid an official visit to India from April 1 to 3. It was his first bilateral visit abroad after assuming his office in July 2021. Besides official engagements in New Delhi, Deuba also visited Varanasi.
The PM will travel to Lumbini, the birthplace of Gautam Buddha, at the invitation of his Nepalese counterpart. His hour-long trip will come on the occasion of Buddha Purnima, Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary.
Deuba is also scheduled to participate in the programme.
In his first term as the Prime Minister, Modi had visited the Himalayan nation four times. Later this month, Modi will travel to Japan to take part in the Quad summit there.
Heads of States of the US, Japan and Australia will be there on May 23 and 24. The four heads of States had met in person for the first time last year in Washington at the invitation of President Joe Biden.
The Quad grouping is primarily aimed at ensuring a free and rule based Indo-Pacific region. China has repeatedly criticised the Quad and claim it will lead to militarisation of the strategic region.
