Announcements regarding some projects under India’s assistance are likely to be made during Indian President Pranab Mukherjee’s state visit to Nepal.

Mukherjee is arriving in Nepal on November 2 on a three-day visit—in a first by the head of state of the southern neighbour in 18 years.  

According to high level government sources, Mukherjee is likely to announce Indian assistance for the construction of some physical infrastructure on the premises of Pashupatinath Temple on Thursday. He is also likely to announce Indian aid for the construction of a dharmashala in Janakpur. Mukherjee is visiting Janakpur on Friday.

“Since it is a ceremonial visit, there will be no formal agreements. But, as Mukherjee has a long association and attachment with Nepal, Mukherjee is going to make some announcements as a goodwill gesture,” said a senior government official.

A diplomatic source told the Post that the Embassy of India in Kathmandu had also floated some ideas in regarding some announcements that can be made by the Indian president during his Nepal visit. “Decisions will be taken at the higher level hours before the visit so we do not know yet about the announcements he is going to make,” said an Indian diplomat who requested anonymity, saying he is not authorised to speak on the matter. 

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mukherjee will be received by President Bidhya Devi Bhandari at the Tribhuvan International Airport on Wednesday where a guard of honour will be accorded to him. Mukherjee will hold a formal meeting with Bhandari at Sheetal Niwas in the afternoon. In the evening, President Bhandari will host a state banquet in honour of Mukherjee. Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal will call on Mukherjee separately. PM Dahal will also host a dinner in honour of Mukherjee. On the same evening, Mukherjee will attend a reception to be hosted by the ambassador of India to Nepal.

On Thursday, he will visit Pashupatinath Temple. In the afternoon, Kathmandu University will confer an honorary degree on Mukherjee. In the evening, he will deliver a speech at the Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan Nepal and India Foundation.