Nepal visit strengthens bilateral ties: Indian Ministry of External Affairs

KATHMANDU, Aug 13: India's Ministry of External Affairs has emphasized the importance of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's recent two-day visit to Nepal, highlighting its significance for bilateral interests. In a nine-point press release issued on Monday evening, following Misri's return to India, the Ministry reaffirmed Nepal's status as a priority partner under India's ‘Neighborhood First’ policy.

The visit continued the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries, further advancing their bilateral relationship. Both sides underscored the deep and friendly ties between India and Nepal, rooted in shared historical, cultural, and civilizational connections, as well as strong people-to-people links, according to the press release.

The press release expressed satisfaction with the progress made in bilateral cooperation, particularly in connectivity projects such as roads, bridges, integrated check posts, inland railways, and petroleum pipelines. Significant strides have also been made in energy cooperation, with increased electricity exports from Nepal to India benefiting both countries—providing Nepal with income and India with additional clean energy sources.

During his visit, Indian Foreign Secretary Misri met with several key Nepali leaders, including President Ram Chandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Ministers Prakash Man Singh and Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in various sectors and strengthening the partnership between the two nations.