Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah and Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman may visit India in the coming months, with their proposed trips expected to carry diplomatic significance for New Delhi. According to reports, Balen Shah could arrive in November, while Tarique Rahman may travel to Delhi in late November or early December. These would be their first visits to India since taking office as prime ministers. Nepal and Bangladesh are important neighbours with longstanding political, economic and cultural ties with India. The proposed visits could provide an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation, regional concerns and outstanding issues affecting relations between the countries. However, the dates have not yet been finalised.
Balen Shah’s Proposed November Visit
Balen Shah’s three-day visit to India could take place in the third week of November, according to reports. The expected agenda is likely to cover a broad range of issues, including major infrastructure projects and reconstruction work following floods. India has supported several development projects in Nepal, and some could be inaugurated during the visit. The discussions may also focus on strengthening economic cooperation and improving coordination between the two neighbouring countries. If confirmed, the visit would be an important opportunity for both governments to review ongoing projects and identify areas for future cooperation. The final programme and dates are yet to be officially confirmed.
Tarique Rahman May Travel in December
Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman could visit Delhi shortly after Balen Shah’s proposed trip. Reports suggest that his visit may take place in late November or early December, potentially within one or two weeks of the Nepal prime minister’s visit. The proposed trip is particularly significant because India and Bangladesh face important decisions on water-sharing arrangements. Both sides are preparing for discussions on renewing the Ganga water-sharing treaty, which was signed in December 1996 for a period of 30 years. The agreement governs the sharing of Ganga waters at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal during the dry-season period from January 1 to May 31.
Ganga Water-Sharing Treaty at the Centre
The Ganga water-sharing agreement is scheduled to expire on December 12, 2026, making its future an important issue in India-Bangladesh relations. Any discussions on renewing the treaty could have implications for water management, agriculture and cooperation between the two countries. The agreement has long served as a framework for distributing Ganga waters during the dry season. With its expiry approaching, the proposed visit by Tarique Rahman could provide an opportunity for both governments to discuss the way forward. However, the timing of the visit and the details of any formal negotiations remain uncertain until officially announced.
Balen Shah’s Approach Towards India
Balen Shah became Nepal’s prime minister on March 27, 2026. His approach towards India has attracted attention, as some of his statements were viewed as unfavourable in New Delhi. Reports also indicated that India’s ambassador in Kathmandu did not get an opportunity to meet him personally to convey congratulations after he took office. Against this background, a visit to India would be closely watched for signs of a possible improvement in bilateral relations. Reports suggest that India could be his first official bilateral foreign destination rather than China. If confirmed, the decision could be interpreted as a positive diplomatic signal between the two neighbours.
Tarique Rahman’s Visit Could Reset Ties
Tarique Rahman’s proposed visit is also being watched amid questions about the direction of India-Bangladesh relations. Speculation about a possible trip to Delhi has continued, but no final dates have been announced. India had reportedly invited him to attend the BRICS summit held in November, but he did not travel to Delhi for the event. A bilateral visit could now offer both governments an opportunity to discuss key concerns, including the Ganga water-sharing treaty and broader regional cooperation. If both visits take place as expected, they could become significant diplomatic events for India as it engages with two important neighbours.
