Samir Paul Kapur, US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal at Singha Durbar on Tuesday, where both sides discussed ways to strengthen Nepal–US relations, with a particular focus on trade and investment.

“During the call, discussions were held on further strengthening Nepal-US bilateral relations, including enhanced focus on trade and investment,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a post on X.

Kapur arrived in Nepal on Monday for a three-day visit and has since begun a series of meetings with political leaders, government officials and business representatives. He also visited the US Embassy in Kathmandu soon after his arrival and was briefed by embassy officials.

The visit is the most high-profile engagement by a US official in Kathmandu since the formation of the new government on March 27.

Kapur is also scheduled to meet Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and representatives of the Nepal–US Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his stay. He is also expected to engage with business leaders and cultural experts.

Officials said Nepal has not received a detailed agenda from the US side, describing the visit as largely introductory in nature. During the meetings, Nepal is expected to outline its priorities, while the US side will convey its policy direction under the current administration.

The US embassy in Kathmandu said Kapur is engaging with senior government officials, business leaders and experts to further strengthen the bilateral partnership.

After meeting political leaders and private sector representatives earlier, Kapur posted on X that discussions included expanding US business opportunities in Nepal’s ICT sector, along with cooperation on digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence adoption, cybersecurity and technology exchange.

Unlike previous visits by senior US officials, Kapur is not scheduled to meet Prime Minister Shah. A foreign ministry official said no request for a meeting with the prime minister was made by the US side.

Kapur’s visit is being closely observed in the region, including in New Delhi, given growing strategic attention on Nepal’s position between India and China. In past remarks to the US Congress, he had stressed Washington’s interest in ensuring that no single power dominates South Asia and said the US was prepared to work with whichever government comes to power in Nepal.