From Rakhi to Realpolitik: Arzu's India visit sparks diplomatic buzz

Kathmandu, August 18 - Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba has embarked on a five-day visit to India starting today. Her trip comes at the invitation of Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar and has garnered attention due to its timing around Raksha Bandhan, a Hindu festival that celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters.

During her visit, Arzu is expected to celebrate Raksha Bandhan by tying a rakhi (an ornamental cotton wrist band) to Dr. Vijay Chauthaiwale, the Bharatiya Janata Party's chief of foreign affairs. This follows a reciprocal gesture in 2021, when Chauthaiwale visited Nepal and Arzu tied a rakhi on his wrist, symbolizing a special bond.

The timing of Arzu's visit, just before Raksha Bandhan, has sparked discussions, as the festival is observed on Monday. Arzu arrived in Delhi, India, on Sunday and is anticipated to participate in the rakhi-tying ceremony with Chauthaiwale on Monday. Although this event was not part of the official tour schedule, it may occur if a meeting is arranged.

Chauthaiwale, a close associate of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, holds significant influence in the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and is known to be a key advisor to Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. This close relationship suggests that Arzu's visit might be particularly noteworthy, potentially including a meeting with Prime Minister Modi.

Arju is expected to extend an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to visit Nepal. However, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the meeting with Modi has not been confirmed yet, and efforts are being made to schedule it.

Additionally, discussions are anticipated regarding Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's upcoming visit to India. Oli is preparing for a trip to Thailand on September 3 to attend the BIMSTEC conference before traveling to the United States for the 79th United Nations General Assembly, beginning September 24 . An official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that there are no plans for Oli to visit India before then.