Nepal asks India to provide additional air routes

Published On: May 17, 2022 10:12 AM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

LUMBINI, May 17: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged India to provide additional air routes from Mahendranagar, Nepalgunj and Janakpur.

In delegation-level talks held with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi in Lumbini on Monday, Prime Minister Deuba requested for additional air routes in order to facilitate connectivity and travel between the two countries in view of the fact that second international airport–Gautam Buddha International Airport– was brought into commercial operation in Bhairahawa.

On the occasion, the Prime Minister also proposed a long-term power trade agreement between the two countries for mutual interest as both sides expressed satisfaction over the progress in the Arun-III hydropower project, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, both the Prime Ministers stressed on the importance of hydropower for clean energy, with abundant possibilities for collaboration in the hydro-electricity sector between the two countries. Prime Minister Deuba on the occasion called for investment proposals from companies interested in India to develop the West Seti Hydropower Project.

The two prime ministers also agreed to move ahead with priority the Pancheshwar Project, says a press statement issued by the MoFA following the talks.

During the meeting, both sides prioritized increasing cooperation in the expansion of connectivity and timely supply of fertilizer as well as reviewed the trade agreement.

The two leaders also discussed the issue of hydropower production, development of Buddhist and Ramayan circuits, educational support and collaborating at regional and multilateral forums on the issue of mutual interest.

Likewise, issues including construction of dry port, establishing integrated check post at Chandani Dodhara, and construction of bridge linking Purnagirimai of Uttarakhand of India and Parshudham of Dadeldhura were also discussed.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Deuba extended gratitude towards PM Modi for India's support in the post-Gorkha earthquake reconstruction and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

(RSS)