KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is set to make his first foreign trip since taking office, traveling to Mauritius to participate in the 9th Indian Ocean Conference from April 10–12, 2026, officials confirmed Monday.

Unlike a traditional bilateral visit, Khanal’s trip is focused on multilateral engagement. “Nepal received an invitation to participate in this conference, and the ministry is making all necessary preparations for the honorable minister’s attendance,” said Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The conference will also see participation from Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Deenanath Dhungel, and other regional leaders.