Dr. S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister of India, commenced an official visit to Kathmandu on Thursday at the invitation of Nepal's Foreign Minister, N.P. Saud. The primary agenda of the two-day visit is to co-chair the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission.
During his stay, Dr. Jaishankar will engage in discussions with the leadership of Nepal and meet key political figures, maintaining the tradition of robust exchanges between the two close and friendly neighbors.
India-Nepal Relations:
India and Nepal share a unique bond characterized by friendship, cooperation, and open borders with deep-rooted people-to-people connections of kinship and culture.
Nepal, a priority partner under India's 'Neighborhood First' policy, enjoys strong religious and cultural ties with India. The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship, established in 1950, forms the foundation of their special relationship, granting Nepalese citizens unparalleled advantages in India.
India actively contributes to Nepal's development through various projects in infrastructure, health, rural and community development, education, etc. Over 1500 scholarships are annually provided to Nepalese students for courses in both India and Nepal as part of India's commitment to capacity building and human resource development.
Trade Relations:
India stands as Nepal's largest trade partner, source of foreign investment, and contributor to tourist arrivals. Bilateral trade has surged since the signing of the trade treaty in 1996, with additional momentum from the revised trade treaty in 2009, granting Nepal expanded access to the Indian market.
Recent accomplishments include the Transit Agreement in 2023, enabling Nepal's use of India's inland waterways and new rail routes. India's support extends to training Nepal's railway personnel, construction of bridges at Shirsha and Jhulaghat, and bolstering religious and cultural ties through initiatives like the Nepal-India Ramayana Circuit.
The two nations collaborate on various fronts, including hydro-electric projects, a cross-border petroleum pipeline, a broad-gauge rail line, and numerous MoUs covering agriculture, bridge construction over the Mahakali River, among others. The ongoing efforts underscore the commitment to fostering a dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship.
– Rupa Kumari
