AMN / NEW DELHI
India and Nepal today signed eight Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) in various fields including Housing grant and prevention of drugs, reconstruction packages in health and education sectors.
The agreements were inked after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his visiting Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba at Hyderabad House in New Delhi. The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur cross border Transmission lines.
In his press statement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, he and Mr Deuba reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties and discussed ways to further deepen the special relationship. He said India will extend all possible assistance to Nepal to deal with flood situation.
He said the two countries have also agreed to increase trade relations. Mr Modi said India is committed to ensure development of its valuable neighbour.
Mr Deuba arrived in the national capital yesterday on a five day state visit to India. A high-level delegation is accompanying the Nepalese Prime Minister.
Prime Minister Deuba was accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Mr Deuba at the forecourts of the President House.
Later speaking to media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mr Deuba said, a close neighbor India has helped Nepal in its development efforts and he will request Prime Minister Modi to support more.He also visited Rajghat and paid tributes to Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi.
Mr Deuba is also scheduled to call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. This is Mr Deuba’s first visit abroad after assuming the office of Prime Minister of Nepal in June this year. Apart from official engagements in New Delhi, Mr Deuba will also visit Hyderabad, Tirupati and Bodh Gaya. In recent years Indo-Nepal relationship has witnessed significant growth as high level exchange between both the countries has gained momentum.
In his press statement, Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said, relations between India and Nepal are comprehensive. Mr Deuba said, there are vast opportunities for India in Nepal regarding trade and water resources.