Foreign Minister Khanal Holds Bilateral Meetings in Mauritius

Kathmandu, April 11 — Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal, who is in Port Louis, Mauritius, to attend the 9th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2026, held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of India, Bhutan, and Bangladesh on Friday.

In a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, both sides reviewed Nepal–India relations and discussed areas of mutual interest. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two ministers expressed commitment to further strengthening bilateral cooperation.

Minister Khanal also met with Bhutan’s Foreign Minister and External Trade Minister DN Dhungyel. The two discussed ways to expand Nepal–Bhutan relations and enhance cooperation in key sectors.

Similarly, he held talks with Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman, where they expressed satisfaction over existing cordial relations and discussed further expansion of bilateral cooperation.

The conference, being held from April 10 to 12 under the theme “Collective Stewardship for Indian Ocean Governance,” is organized by the India Foundation in collaboration with the Government of Mauritius.

During the event, Minister Khanal is scheduled to deliver Nepal’s national statement highlighting Nepal’s views on Indian Ocean governance, the mountain–ocean ecological link, and the importance of maritime connectivity for economic development.