India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting began in Kathmandu today. The Joint Commission meeting, which is the highest bilateral mechanism, is taking place after a gap of 23 years. The meeting will have five clusters – political, security and border issues; economic co-operation and infrastructure; trade and transit; power and water resources; and culture, education and media.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj arrived in Kathmandu Friday to attend the meeting. She is heading a high level delegation, which includes Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and senior officials from External Affairs and other ministries. During her visit, Mrs Swaraj will also call on top leadership including Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and hold meetings with leaders across the political spectrum, including Maoist leader Prachanda.

Her visit is also expected to prepare the ground for a two-day visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi next month. PM will arrive in Kathmandu on August 3 on a two-day official trip, the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister in over 17 years.