India-Nepal Bilateral Ties Aims To Touch ‘Himalayan Heights’

India’s PM Modi & Nepal’s PM Prachanda met in Delhi to strengthen bilateral ties. Nepal has also asked for India’s help to save its new airports, built by China.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Dahal, also known as Prachanda, held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House in Delhi. 

This visit marks Prachanda’s fourth visit to India since assuming office in December. The discussions between the two leaders aimed to strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and Nepal. 

During his visit, Prachanda laid a wreath at Raj Ghat, paying tribute to M. K. Gandhi. He also met National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. In addition to the official engagements, Prachanda is scheduled to visit Ujjain and Indore.

Several agreements were signed between the two nations following the bilateral meeting. These agreements include the establishment of new rail links to enhance physical connectivity and a long-term deal to strengthen the electricity-generating sectors of both countries. 

The power sector cooperation was a key focus area, as Nepal exports over 450 MW of electricity to India. 

Indian companies have shown interest in developing hydropower projects in Nepal, and agreements were signed for the development and implementation of the 490.2 MW Arun-4 hydropower project.

The leaders virtually inaugurated integrated check posts at Rupaidiha in India and Nepalgunj in Nepal, symbolizing efforts to improve cross-border trade and transit. They also flagged off a cargo train from Bihar to Nepal. 

Discussions were held on opening more air travel routes and expediting projects related to the Ramayana Circuit, which aims to strengthen religious and cultural ties between the two countries.

The bilateral ties between India and Nepal are of strategic importance for both nations. They share a border of over 1,850 km, and Nepal heavily relies on India for trade and access to the sea. 

The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, signed in 1950, forms the foundation of the special relationship between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to taking India-Nepal ties to new heights, building on the HIT formula he proposed during his first visit to Nepal in 2014, which emphasized Highways, I-ways, and Trans-ways to promote connectivity and cooperation.

The bilateral talks and agreements signed during Prachanda’s visit are milestones to strengthen the longstanding bilateral ties and cooperation between India and Nepal in various sectors, including power, transportation, trade, and cultural exchange.

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