Minister for Foreign Affairs Arzu Rana Deuba left for New Delhi on Sunday on a five-day India visit at the invitation of her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar.

She left for the Indian Capital City at 11:30pm. Minister Rana was seen off at the Tribhuvan International Airport by Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, among other senior foreign ministry officials.

It is her first official trip after taking office on July 15. She is accompanied by Joint Secretary Bhrigu Dhungana, division chief of the South Asia Division at the foreign ministry, among others.

During the visit, the foreign minister will hold a meeting with Jaishankar and discuss matters of mutual interest for further strengthening Nepal-India relations and promoting cooperation, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The foreign minister’s visit comes a week after new Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri concluded a two-day familiarisation visit to Nepal.

She will also meet senior Bharatiya Janata Party leaders.

Foreign Minister Rana will return home on Thursday.