New Delhi, Aug 18 - Amid the drifting peace process in Nepal, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal Tuesday began a five-day visit to India - his first to the country since he assumed office nearly three months ago.

Nepal's visit is primarily a goodwill trip that is aimed at keeping the traditionally strong relationship with India -- tested after the Maoist victory in polls last year -- on an even keel.

A host of bilateral issues, including the proposed revision of the friendship and trade treaties and the finalisation of a revised extradition treaty, will figure prominently in the discussions between the two sides.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh will hold talks with his Nepalese counterpart Wednesday evening. The talks will focus on sustaining the floundering peace process in Nepal.

Some economic and energy pacts may be signed after the talks, official sources said.

Nepal will also meet President Pratibha Patil, the ruling United Progressive Alliance chief Sonia Gandhi, External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Home Minister P. Chidambaram.

Nepal's itinerary includes an interactive meeting with captains of business and industry Wednesday and a speech on the state of India-Nepal relations the next day.

India is expected to convey its concerns over the drifting peace process in the Himalayan state after Maoist leader Prachanda resigned as the prime minister nearly three months ago, plunging the country into prolonged political instability.