Kathmandu, April 13 (NationPress) Shisir Khanal, the Foreign Minister of Nepal, indicated on Monday that Prime Minister Balendra Shah's trip to India might require some time to materialize, despite having received an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the neighboring country.

Traditionally, incoming Nepali Prime Ministers prioritize India as their first destination abroad; however, this trend has been disrupted on occasion due to various circumstances, particularly when the relations between the two nations have faced challenges.

Upon his return to Nepal after participating in the Ninth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Mauritius, Minister Khanal revealed that the invitation for Prime Minister Shah's visit to New Delhi was extended by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and the Nepali premier has accepted it.

"The new administration has just been established, and it will first determine its priorities. Several technical frameworks between both nations will also be instrumental in shaping the agenda for discussions," the Nepalese Foreign Minister noted.

"There are approximately 40 bilateral frameworks in place that address various facets of our relationship. The political visit of Prime Minister Shah will proceed once these technical preparations are concluded."

These bilateral frameworks span from district levels to ministerial levels, encompassing security, water resources, irrigation, border management, boundary disputes, trade, commerce, and agriculture, among other areas.

Representatives from both countries involved in these frameworks meet on a regular basis, although many of the mechanisms have not convened recently.

India continues to be one of Nepal's foremost development partners.

In the fiscal year 2024-25, India emerged as the largest bilateral donor to Nepal, contributing $107.8 million.

Numerous development projects funded by India have been completed, while several others are currently underway.

During the Indian Ocean Conference, Foreign Minister Khanal underscored the significance of climate change and its repercussions on the Himalayan region and maritime areas.

"The well-being of the mountains and the oceans is interconnected," he remarked, emphasizing that the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is a vital source of fresh water for billions.

Highlighting the importance of the Indian Ocean for global trade and energy movements, the Nepali Foreign Minister asserted that ensuring its stability is a collective global responsibility.

He also expressed Nepal's grave concerns regarding threats such as maritime terrorism, piracy, and the illicit trafficking of drugs and humans.

"The Indian Ocean is pivotal for global trade and energy advancements. Its stability is a global obligation," Minister Khanal reiterated.

"Nepal is genuinely alarmed by threats like maritime terrorism, piracy, and the illegal trafficking of drugs and human beings, as these issues impact the lives of many, including Nepali citizens navigating these waters for their livelihoods."

He further stressed that the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is essential for providing fresh water to billions.

The glaciers and snowfields of Nepal nourish significant river systems that eventually flow into the Indian Ocean, linking the health of the mountains and oceans.

The Ninth Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) was organized collaboratively by India's Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of Mauritius, and the India Foundation.