Nepal, Nov. 5 -- India is eagerly looking forward to welcoming Prime Minister Balendra Shah to New Delhi, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri told him during a meeting in Kathmandu on Thursday, as preparations gather pace for the Nepali leader's first bilateral visit to India.

Misri conveyed the message during a meeting with Prime Minister Shah at Singha Durbar, saying Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also looking forward to receiving his Nepali counterpart. Shah, in response, said preparations for his visit were underway.

According to Foreign Ministry officials, Shah is scheduled to visit India from November 23 to 25, with preparations being expedited on both sides. The three-day visit is expected to focus on strengthening bi...