News Highlights – Earthquakes, Diplomacy, and Development Mark Early April 2025

Nepal has been at the center of significant events since the start of April, ranging from natural challenges to high-profile diplomatic engagements. From seismic activity to economic updates, the Himalayan nation is navigating a dynamic landscape, with Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s recent visit to Thailand and meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking center stage.

Earthquakes Strike Western Nepal

On April 4, 2025, two earthquakes jolted western Nepal, the stronger registering a magnitude of 5.5. According to reports, tremors were felt in districts like Surkhet, Dailekh, and Kalikot, as well as parts of northern India. Nepal’s location in a seismically active zone makes such events frequent, though no major damage or casualties were immediately reported. Meanwhile, air pollution worsened across the country due to wildfires, with Kathmandu’s air quality reaching hazardous levels by April 3, prompting government advisories to stay indoors.

Economic Ups and Downs

Economically, Nepal saw a positive surge on April 2 when the Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index hit 2700 points, signaling market optimism despite modest trading volumes. However, remittance inflows, a lifeline for the economy, dipped to 12.4% of GDP in the first half of FY25, largely due to reduced migrant outflows to Malaysia, according to financial updates posted on X.

India-Nepal Strengthen Ties

On April 1, India and Nepal inked 10 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs. 625 million for community development projects, including schools and health posts, reinforcing India’s long-standing support The Economic Times. This set the stage for a key diplomatic moment later in the week.

Oli’s Historic Thailand Visit and Meeting with Modi

Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli embarked on a landmark visit to Thailand on April 1, his first since Nepal established diplomatic ties with the country 65 years ago. Attending the sixth BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, Oli seized the opportunity for bilateral engagements. On April 4, he met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Shangri-La Hotel, a meeting hailed as “cordial and fruitful” by both leaders. X posts from @RepublicaNepal and @anilkathmandu confirmed the talks, which focused on energy, connectivity, culture, and digital cooperation.

Modi reaffirmed Nepal’s priority under India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, pledging continued support for its democratic journey Hindustan Times. Oli, in a statement reported by The Kathmandu Post on April 5, described the discussions as “meaningful and constructive,” noting a “deep understanding” to advance Nepal-India relations The Kathmandu Post. The meeting, also covered by The Print on April 5, is seen as a precursor to Oli’s planned visit to New Delhi, aimed at resolving recent bilateral tensions The Print.

In Thailand, Oli also signed agreements with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on culture, tourism, and agriculture, further elevating Nepal’s regional presence. X posts from @kathmandupost on April 5 dubbed the trip a “historic success.”

Looking Ahead

As Nepal balances natural challenges with diplomatic and economic strides, Oli’s Thailand visit and Modi meeting underscore a pivotal moment in its foreign relations. With domestic issues like pollution and seismic risks persisting, the nation’s leadership is leveraging international partnerships to chart its course in 2025.