Kathmandu [Nepal], Nov 4 – Nepal and India have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance key initiatives with post-flood reconstruction support emerging as an important issue ahead of Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s upcoming visit to New Delhi later this month.
Visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri conveyed New Delhi’s willingness to consider Nepal’s requests for assistance and specific project proposals to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the devastating Bhotekoshi floods.
The issue featured in bilateral talks between Misri and Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai in Kathmandu on Wednesday.
Acknowledging the extensive damage caused by the floods, Misri said India was ready to consider proposals as Nepal enters the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase.
“We recognise, however, that the flood caused extensive damage to Nepal’s infrastructure. We look forward to receiving further details and discussing the matter with the Nepalese leadership,” Misri said.
He added that India had previously discussed the issue and was open to considering specific requests from Kathmandu as it prepares its recovery plans.
The discussions also focused on preparations for Shah’s upcoming visit to India later this month. Rai said both sides had maintained regular contact and close coordination ahead of the high-level visit.
“In today’s meeting, we will have substantive discussions on preparations for the upcoming high-level visit of the Prime Minister of Nepal to India later this month. Your visit will be instrumental in laying the groundwork,” Rai said.
Misri said the two countries had a detailed agenda and that he looked forward to discussing initiatives India wanted to see progress on in the context of the Prime Minister’s visit.
He also highlighted the longstanding ties between the two neighbours, describing their relationship as unique and built on mutual support through both favourable and difficult times.
“The bilateral talks covered the entire gamut of Nepal-India relations, including exchange of high-level visits, connectivity, trade, development cooperation, energy and people to people relations, underscoring the strong bond between the two countries,” Nepal Foreign Ministry said.
Misri said India’s assistance following the Bhotekoshi floods reflected the longstanding relationship and the two countries’ commitment to standing by each other during difficult circumstances.
He praised officials from both sides for their continued engagement, saying their efforts had helped resolve long-pending issues and advance key initiatives.
Earlier, Misri paid a courtesy call on Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to the ministry, the two discussed further deepening the multifaceted partnership and strengthening longstanding ties between Nepal and India.
