File pic: PM Narendra Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address two civic receptions in Nepal, but the government there faced some awkward questions before allowing them.
PM Modi will visit Nepal for the SAARC or South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Summit on November 26 and 27.
He is likely to visit temples in Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Janakpur, which is closely linked to the Hindu epic Ramayana.
Sources say some sections of the Nepal government were not comfortable with the idea and felt that it would be inappropriate. They were also worried that it may overshadow the SAARC event.
Despite reservations, Kathmandu has given its go-ahead and sources say Mr Modi will be treated as an honoured guest.
PM Modi, currently on a three-nation tour, is expected to address a public gathering at the Olympic park in Sydney, Australia, next week. In September, he had addressed a massive gathering of Indians at New York's Madison Square Garden.
In Nepal, the prime minister is also likely to visit Muktinath, a holy site for Hindus and Buddhists.