New Delhi: India and Nepal have taken a tentative step forward in normalizing their relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following his talks with PM KP Oli said that India will help Nepal in the field of agriculture through organic farming, soil testing and education in farming.
India has promised to upgrade road and cross-border rail and energy links with Nepal and develop inland waterways to provide sea connectivity to the landlocked country amid China’s initiatives to provide connectivity links to the Himalayan State.
PM Modi also congratulated Nepal for the successful conduct of local body elections.
“Nepal has now entered a new era of political history. As a neighboring friend country, and as the world’s largest democracy, this golden chapter of the history of Nepal is a matter of great joy for us in India too,” he said.
“India has a very long history of participation in the development of Nepal. I have assured Prime Minister Oli Ji that India will continue to cooperate with them in their efforts of Nepal’s economic development and prosperity. As always, this cooperation in the future also will be based on the priorities and requirements set by the Government of Nepal,” the PM stated.
India has also agreed to help Nepal in the development of inland waterways.
“With our assistance, Nepal will get an extra connectivity to the sea. And the country of Everest will be able to connect directly to the ocean. I believe that this is a historical beginning. Nepal will not only be ‘land-linked’ but ‘Water-linked’ also,” the release stated.
Similarly, both the countries have also signed a joint development project for jointly developing a new rail line linking India with Kathmandu. One of the dimensions of connectivity is related to the infrastructure for trade and movement of people. Just a few moments ago, Birgunj-Raxaul Integrated Check Post was inaugurated. This ICP will be the new highway of centuries old geographical, historical, social, economic and cultural relations between India and Nepal.
India and Nepal have agreed to start a new partnership in the agricultural sector and through this partnership India will extend cooperation on subjects like organic farming, animal husbandry, soil testing, agricultural research and agricultural education.
“We both agree to prevent the abuse of our Open Border, and to pursue our shared security interests. The open border between the two countries has been a living bridge between the common people of both the countries. Along with development of Ramayana and Buddhist circuits, we will also increase our cooperation in the areas of skill development, education and health,” he said.
PM Modi said India would support Nepal according to the country’s priorities. Oli said, “we want to erect a strong edifice of trust-based relationship between the two close neighbors that we are.”
PM Oli invited Modi to visit Nepal which was accepted and according to sources it would happen this year. Modi is expected to inaugurate a couple of Indian hydro-electric power projects, there, which have been pending for years.
