Nepal-India sign cooperation agreements; Modi says Nepal’s stability linked with security of India

Prakash Silwal (New Delhi) / February 20: Bilateral talks were held between Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, currently here on a state visit of India, and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the Hyderabad House this afternoon.

During the meeting, extensive discussion was held on wide range of issues including mutual relations and interest. Following the talks, agreement was also reached on trade and investment expansion in Nepal, post-quake reconstruction, infrastructure development, and operation of the transit route with Bangladesh through India.

A memorandum of understanding in this regard was exchanged between the concerned authorities in the presence of the two Prime Ministers. Following the exchange of letters, Prime Minister Oli and his counterpart Modi shared about the decisions taken during the talks, and also made a brief address to the media.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli said Nepal and the Nepalis enjoy profound relations with India and the people here, while adding that a democratic constitution was promulgated in Nepal with the support and good-wishes of India. Describing India as a big partner in Nepal’s development, Prime Minister Oli said economic prosperity, development and political stability were Nepal’s goals ahead.

Nepal expects significant support for its economic development from India, as an emerging world economy, Prime Minister Oli said while adding that the progress made by India in science and technology and innovations were inspiring for Nepal.

The Prime Minister also thanked India for its generous and continuous development support in education, health and infrastructure development, and said he expected substantive cooperation in mega projects in Nepal. Nepal also appreciates the spontaneous support received in the aftermath of the earthquake and for continued support and solidarity.

Noting that all misunderstandings between the two countries have been removed, Prime Minister Oli said it was high time now to move towards forward-looking relations. On the occasion, the Prime Minister also shared that he had extended an invitation to his Indian counterpart to visit Nepal. On behalf of President Bidya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Oli also extended an invitation to the President of India to visit Nepal.

At the programme, Prime Minister Modi said India-Nepal relations have entered a new phase from this moment, praising the goodwill of prideful Nepali citizens towards India.

Stating that the late President of Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala had incomparable contribution to the Indo-Nepal relations, the Indian Prime Minister said India would always remember him. India and Nepal would jointly fight against extremism and terrorism, he said while adding both neighbours are committed to not allow criminals and terrorists use their respective territory.

India wants peace, stability and economic development in Nepal and Nepal’s stability is linked with the security of India, he said. Both countries would benefit from the proper utilisation of abundant hydropower resources of Nepal, the Indian Prime Minister said, adding the resource must prove a boon for economic progress of Nepal. RSS