External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, during his visit to Nepal, inaugurated several post-earthquake reconstruction projects and emphasized India's commitment to redefining its relationship with its neighboring countries, especially Nepal.
Jaishankar, alongside his Nepalese counterpart N P Saud, jointly inaugurated the new building of the Tribhuvan University Library and other reconstruction projects undertaken in Nepal post the 2015 earthquake. These projects, including schools, health facilities, and cultural heritage centers, were part of collaborative efforts to support Nepal's recovery from the devastating earthquake.
The minister highlighted India's fulfillment of commitments made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding Nepal's post-earthquake reconstruction. He emphasized the significant strides witnessed in India-Nepal relations, particularly in areas like connectivity, infrastructure development, and economic partnership.
Jaishankar underscored the importance of educational and capacity-building initiatives, particularly scholarships, to empower the youth and strengthen bilateral ties. He assured continued support to realize the full potential of the relationship between India and Nepal for the benefit of both countries.
Reflecting on Prime Minister Modi's 'HIT' formula for India-Nepal relations (H for highways, I for i-ways or digital connectivity, and T for transways), Jaishankar highlighted the commitment to making the partnership a success. He reiterated India's commitment to the principles of development for all and the importance of taking neighboring countries, including Nepal, along in India's developmental journey.
During the visit, the ministers co-chaired the Seventh Meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission, reviewing various aspects of bilateral relations and cooperation, including connectivity, infrastructure, trade, culture, and more. They expressed satisfaction with mutual support in regional forums and discussed issues such as additional air entry routes, floods, boundary-related matters, and the review of the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950.
Several agreements, including those on long-term power trade, renewable energy development, and community development projects, were exchanged between the governments of Nepal and India. The ministers also witnessed the exchange of the fifth tranche of post-earthquake relief supplies from India to Nepal, which included prefabricated houses and tents.
The External Affairs Minister of India, also announced the extension of a financial package of USD 75 million for the reconstruction of infrastructure in the districts of Nepal affected by the 2023 earthquake. The minister inaugurated several projects undertaken in collaboration between India and Nepal to aid in the reconstruction after the devastating earthquake of 2015.
During his address at the inauguration event in Kathmandu, Jaishankar expressed India's commitment to supporting Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquakes. He also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's solidarity with the people and leadership of Nepal, reiterating India's pledge to extend all possible assistance.
The minister highlighted India's rapid response to the earthquake, providing emergency relief within 48 hours of the disaster and delivering five tranches of assistance, including essential supplies and prefabricated houses. Additionally, he emphasized India's contribution of USD 1 billion for the reconstruction efforts, including grants and a line of credit.
Jaishankar acknowledged the completion of reconstruction projects in various sectors such as housing, education, health, and cultural heritage, demonstrating the collaboration between India and Nepal. He emphasized the importance of bilateral ties and the transformative strides made in several areas, particularly in connectivity, education, and capacity-building initiatives.
The minister also underscored the significance of the recently signed agreements between India and Nepal in the power sector and project implementation, expressing confidence in the positive impact these agreements will have on the lives of Nepali citizens. He highlighted the focus on educational initiatives and scholarships aimed at empowering the youth and fostering stronger people-to-people linkages between India and Nepal.
Jaishankar reiterated India's commitment, under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, to redefine and strengthen its relationship with neighboring countries, especially Nepal. He referenced the 'HIT' formula given by Prime Minister Modi during his 2014 visit, emphasizing the significance of highways, i-ways (digital connectivity), and transways (connectivity initiatives) in bilateral relations.
The minister concluded by expressing confidence in the continued progress and milestones that India and Nepal will achieve together in their relationship, reflecting on the success of his visit to Nepal.
Jaishankar also had courtesy meetings with President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and attended a dinner hosted by Foreign Minister Saud during his successful visit to Nepal.
(With Agency Inputs)
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