An unexpected lifting of the nearly six month-long border blockade with India and back-to- back high-level visits by Indian and Nepalese officials have cleared the decks for the much-awaited visit of Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli to India beginning February 19.
The two neighbours, ties between whom had witnessed an all-time low following violent protests led by Madhesis, largely of Indian-origin, have warmed up to each other since the beginning of this month.
A surprise announcement on Monday by the agitating Madhesis over lifting the blockade of key border trade points with India fulfilled Oli's condition of embarking on his first trip overseas after assuming charge some four months ago.
The thaw in ties was evident when External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj travelled to Nepal for a one-day visit to pay respects to former prime minister Sushil Koirala, who passed away on Tuesday.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Deepak Prasad Adhikary confirmed that Oli will leave Kathmandu for Delhi on February 19 to pay an official visit to India, but did not give any details saying they are yet to be worked out.