Kathmandu - Indian Foreign Minister Pranab Mukherjee Monday arrived in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu at the start of a three-day official visit to the Himalayan nation.

The visit is the first by an Indian foreign minister since the Maoist-led government took power in August.

Talks between the Indian foreign Minister and his Nepalese counterpart Upendra Yadav will focus on a wide range of bilateral issues and Indian financial assistance to Nepal.

"India will continue to stand by the people of Nepal in their transition to multi-party democracy and extend support as they desire," Mukherjee said in a statement after arriving in Kathmandu.

Nepalese media reports said the Indian minister will also hold talks on reviewing treaties and agreements between the two countries, including the 1950 Peace and Friendship Treaty, that have come under criticism for allegedly not favouring Nepal's interest.

Nepalese officials said Nepal would seek Indian help to further the country's peace process.

India's help in the peace process is seen as crucial as the two countries share a long common border which in the past has been used by armed groups to escape to the other side.

Also on the agenda are discussions on trade and transit issues, border problems and cooperation in water resources

During his stay in Kathmandu, Mukherjee will meet Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and other high ranking officials and politicians.

He will also tour south-eastern Nepal where an Indian built embankment on Koshi River collapsed earlier this year flooding large areas in Nepal and in the neighbouring Indian state of Bihar. (dpa)