India, Nepal reiterate their commitment to take bilateral relations to a new direction
India and Nepal have reiterated their commitment to take bilateral relations to newer heights by strengthening ongoing cooperation in diverse spheres.
In a joint statement issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Nepal, both sides agreed to expand partnership for socio-economic development on the basis of the principles of equality, mutual trust, respect and mutual benefit.
Prime Minister Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K.P.Sharma Oli emphasized the need for regular convening of bilateral mechanisms to review the overall state of bilateral relations and for the expeditious implementation of the economic and development cooperation projects.
The two Prime Ministers also underscored the importance of trade and economic ties between India and Nepal. They have underlined the catalytic role of connectivity in stimulating economic growth and promoting movement of people. Both the Prime Ministers also agreed to take further steps to enhance economic and physical connectivity by air, land and water.
Recognizing the vibrant people to people contacts and friendly bilateral ties they also directed respective officials to expand cooperation in civil aviation sector. The two Prime Ministers reiterated the importance of advancing cooperation in water resources for mutual benefit in areas such as river training works, inundation and flood management, irrigation and to enhance pace of implementation of ongoing bilateral projects.
The two Prime Ministers directed their respective officials to address outstanding matters by September 2018 with the objective of advancing cooperation in all areas. They also underscored the importance of regional and sub-regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, SAARC, and BBIN frameworks for forging meaningful cooperation in identified sectors. The two Prime Ministers agreed that the landmark third visit of Prime Minister Modi to Nepal has further strengthened the age-old friendly relations between the two countries and has injected a fresh impetus to growing partnership.
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Oli to pay a visit to India. Prime Minister Oli accepted the invitation; dates will be finalized through diplomatic channels.
