Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's crucial visit to UAE and Nepal

India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has recently concluded a two-day visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the main objective of which was to further accelerate economic and strategic relations with the UAE, one of India's closest partners in West Asia. According to the Ministry of External Affairs report, during this visit held on 1 and 2 November, Misri held discussions at various levels with the top leadership of the UAE. This visit has been an important medium to review the progress of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and to explore new areas of cooperation.

During his stay in the UAE, the Foreign Secretary met with Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Special Envoy of India. In this meeting, along with bilateral relations, there was an exchange of views on regional and global developments. Additionally, Misri also held detailed discussions with Jassim Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance and Group CEO of Limad Holding Company. The main focus of these discussions was to enhance economic engagement, accelerate investment flows, and establish long-term commercial partnerships.

To increase cooperation in the cultural and educational sectors, Misri also met with Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism. This meeting emphasized exploring new opportunities for cultural and creative exchange. This includes a proposed museum named 'House of India', which will showcase Indian art, history, heritage, and tourism to the world. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this visit further strengthens the mutual trust and strategic approach between India and the UAE.

After the UAE visit, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Monday that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will visit Nepal on 4 and 5 November. This will be the first visit to Nepal by the Foreign Secretary since Prime Minister Balendra Shah took office in March 2026. In Nepal, there was a change of power after the Jan-Zed movement in September 2025, in which the K.P. Sharma Oli government fell. This visit will carry forward the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries and will help in deepening the bilateral partnership.

During the visit to Nepal, the issue of Prime Minister Balendra Shah's visit to India will be key in Misri's discussions. Apart from this, the appointment of Nepal's new ambassador in New Delhi could also be a topic of discussion. The post of ambassador has been vacant in the Nepali embassy for several months, as the previous ambassador Shankar Prasad Sharma returned home. According to Nepali diplomatic sources, Kathmandu is waiting for India's approval for the new ambassador Nishchal Nath Pandey. Along with this, the assistance provided by India after the disaster in the Bhote Koshi river will also be reviewed.

On the other hand, before Misri's visit, a welfare organization of former Indian soldiers held a protest in Kathmandu. They are demanding the resumption of Gorkha recruitment in the Indian Army after the implementation of the Agnipath scheme. Earlier, Misri's visit to Nepal was scheduled for May 2026, but at that time, Prime Minister Shah had postponed the visit, prioritizing local challenges. This visit is considered very important in the relations between India and Nepal, as in the last few months, India has also welcomed Nepal's Foreign Minister Sisir Khanal, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, and Home Minister Sudan Gurung.