He will also visit Sri Lanka and Bhutan in his capacity as the outgoing chairman of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), officials said.

"Prime Minister Thapa will be seeking India's cooperation in controlling the Maoists crossing over to Nepal from India as well as transportation of arms and ammunition," a foreign ministry source said.

"Nepal is seeking more military assistance for combating the Maoist rebels," the source added.

India is Nepal's main military supplier and recently supplied two bullet-proof helicopters to help the battle against the guerrillas.

The Maoist rebels have been fighting for a communist republic in Nepal since 1996 during which more than 8,200 people have been killed.

There has been a surge in violence since the rebels pulled out of a seven-month ceasefire and peace talks on August 27.

Thapa will also discuss with Vajpayee expanding Nepalese exports to its huge neighbour and further Indian economic assistance to develop Nepal's hydropower.

India recently agreed to build a billion dollar hydropower project in western Nepal.

Thapa will also hold meetings on proposed resolutions to be approved by the SAARC summit in Islamabad in early January, particularly on economic cooperation, the control of terrorism and drug trafficking.