Kathmandu - Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal left for the Indian capital New Delhi Sunday at the start of an official visit expected to strengthen ties between the two neighbours.

The visit to India by Dahal, who is popularly known as Prachanda, comes amid growing strains in relations between the two countries over the flooding of the Koshi river that submerged large parts of Bihar state in India.

Prachanda is leading a 92-member delegation comprising four ministers, senior government officials and private sector representatives.

Nepalese officials said the Koshi flooding, the Nepal-India friendship treaty of 1950 and border problems, as well as cross- border criminal activities, would top Prachanda's agenda during talks with Indian leaders.

There have been growing calls for a review of the treaties and agreements between Nepal and India, with Nepalese politicians saying many of the agreements were counterproductive for Nepal.

The visit is also expected to calm Indian resentment over Dahal's decision to travel to China in August on his first trip abroad as prime minister.

Officials say Prachanda is not expected to sign any new bilateral agreements while in India. (dpa)