India, Nepal vow to deepen mutual trust, take their relations to newer heights

India and Nepal on Saturday resolved to take their bilateral relations to newer heights on the basis of equality, mutual trust, respect and benefit.
Visiting Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli held detailed discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi where they comprehensively reviewed the entire spectrum of multifaceted ties between the two countries. They welcomed the growing partnership between the two governments, private sector and at the people’s level.
Recalling that the close and friendly India-Nepal relations are built on the strong foundation of shared historical and cultural links and close people to people contacts, the two Prime Ministers underscored the importance of regular high-level political exchanges in cementing bilateral ties.
Mr. Oli’s visit to India is the first after he assumed office as the Prime Minister following elections in the Himalayan state. He had also visited India during his earlier stint as the Prime Minister.
He stated that his government attaches high importance to further strengthening friendly relations with India. He expressed the desire of the Nepalese government to develop bilateral relations in a way so as to benefit from India’s progress and prosperity for economic transformation and development.
On his part, Prime Minister Modi assured his Nepalese counterpart that India remains committed to strengthening its partnership with Nepal as per the priorities of the Nepalese government.
Prime Minister Modi stated that his government’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is a guiding framework for India’s engagement with its neighbours for a shared vision of inclusive development and prosperity. Prime Minister Oli stated that after the landmark political transformation, his Government has given priority to economic transformation with the motto ‘Samriddha Nepal Sukhi Nepali’.
Prime Minister Modi congratulated the people and the Nepalese government for successful conduct of local level, federal parliament and first-ever provincial elections in Nepal and appreciated their vision for stability, and development.
Later, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale, while briefing journalists, said the two Prime Ministers inaugurated the Integrated Check Post at Birgunj in Nepal. Its early operationalization will enhance cross-border trade and transit of goods and movement of people bringing greater opportunities for shared growth and development.
The two leaders also witnessed the ground breaking ceremony of the Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline at Motihari, India.
The two Prime Ministers underlined the need for expeditious implementation of bilateral projects in Nepal, and to reinvigorate the existing bilateral mechanisms to promote cooperative agenda across diverse spheres.
Mr. Gokhale pointed out besides business delegation and top ministers, the Nepalese premier was also accompanied by a delegation of MPs from all political parties of Nepal.
Three key areas of mutual interest were also identified during talks between the two sides:– India-Nepal: New Partnership in Agriculture, expanding Rail Linkages: Connecting Raxaul in India to Kathmandu in Nepal and new Connectivity between India and Nepal through Inland Waterways
The two Prime Ministers agreed that the visit has imparted new dynamism to the multifaceted partnership between the two countries.
The Foreign Secretary said that Prime Minister Oli extended an invitation to Prime Minister Modi to pay an early visit to Nepal which was accepted by Mr. Modi. “Dates for the Prime Minister’s visit will be finalized through diplomatic channels. I hope that the visit will take place this year,’’ Mr. Gokhale said.
Prime Minister Modi said there is a long history of India’s contribution towards Nepal’s development and assured Mr. Oli that it would continue in future.
On security and open borders, Mr. Modi said: “We have strong relations when it comes to the aspect of security and are committed towards stopping misuse of our open borders.’’
Responding to queries, Mr. Gokhale said that China did not figure during talks between the two leaders. However, regional issues were raised. “Overall there was a forward looking focus as there are cultural, economic and political similarities between the two countries,’’ he added. Trans-border power line guidelines were also being drawn at a high level with the involvement of electricity regulatory authorities so as to make the mechanism more transparent.
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