Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is likely to visit India next month.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa on Wednesday said that preparations were underway for PM Oli’s India visit. While no dates have been finalised, diplomatic sources said the prime minister could visit India between second and third week of February.

The ongoing preparations come in the wake of significant improvement in ties between Nepal and India, with ease in restrictions on supplies along Nepal-India border except at Raxaul-Birjung entry point. Following the constitution promulgation, an unofficial blockade was imposed by India.

As a result, relations between the two countries had plunged to an all-time low, stoking speculations that Oli could leave for China on his maiden foreign visit as the prime minister.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had personally extended invitations twice to PM Oli to visit India during two phone conversations the two prime ministers have held since October.

“The prime minister received invitation from India first. So he will first visit India,” said DPM Thapa.

Misunderstandings with India have been significantly cleared and bilateral relations are improving, added Thapa.

The first foreign trip of Nepal’s prime minister has always remained a matter of concern and is watched with great interest.

DPM Thapa said that PM Oli will also visit China as the Chinese side too is eager to welcome him.

Following the unofficial blockade imposed by India, the government, especially after Oli assumed office, had, in bid to diversify trade, reached out to the northern neighbour, which too had given rise to speculations that PM Oli could fly to Beijing first.

The government has taken some important initiatives to diversify trade and transit opportunities with China, and Nepal should act as a bridge between India and China, said Thapa, adding: “If we reach an understanding with China on trade and transit treaty, the next generation of Nepalis will not have to face another blockade.”