Efforts to further strengthen the Nepal-India relationship has been intensified of late. The visit of Indian Foreign Secretary, Harsh Vardhan Shringla has helped to lessen misunderstandings and to overcome other obstacles.
Nepali leaders are optimistic about furthering the Nepal-India relationship after Shringla’s visit.
The visit of an eminent personality has promoted Nepalese culture and language besides giving value to them.
Despite his busy schedule in Nepal, Shringla engaged in significant discussions with various experts that helped to clarify several concerns.
On the final day of his, Shringla inaugurated four development projects completed with the Indian assistance in Gorkha and Manang districts.
According to the Indian Embassy in Nepal, Shringla traveled to Gorkha and inaugurated three schools — Shree Mahalaxmi, Shree Ratna Laxmi, and Shree Tara Secondary Schools — constructed with the Indian assistance, in the presence of Ram Krishna Sapkota, Secretary at the National Reconstruction Authority of Nepal.
Shringla dubbed education as the best investment in the future of a country and its people.
During his meeting with the Foreign Minister, Shringla conveyed an invitation from Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Gyawali to visit India for the next round of the Joint Commission Meeting.
Since 2003, the Government of India has constructed nearly 270 educational campuses across Nepal under the High Impact Community Development Projects scheme, complementing the efforts of the Government of Nepal in this area.
Shringla also encouraged Nepali students to take advantage of over 3,000 scholarships being provided by the Indian government to contribute to the development of their country and to further strengthen the Nepal-India partnership.
The Indian government also substantially fulfilled its commitment in the housing sector with over 46,500 houses handed over to the beneficiaries in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, as part of its post-earthquake assistance to Nepal.
The Embassy further stated India was working with the Government of Nepal on the reconstruction of 147 health posts and hospitals in 10 districts of Nepal under a grant of USD 50 million and 28 cultural heritage sites in 8 districts of Nepal under another grant of USD 50 million.
Shringla also addressed a limited gathering of leading civil society members on Nepal-India relations at an event hosted by the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA), where he laid out the foundational multi-dimensional strength of the ties between the two countries.
He also inaugurated the Tashop (Tare) Gompa monastery constructed at Shree Kharka village in Manang district, and conveyed his pleasure at the Government of India’s role in restoring this ancient monastery in the Manang district and in contributing to the preservation of the rich Buddhist heritage of this Himalayan region.
The Indian Foreign Secretary, who reached Kathmandu on Thursday, paid a courtesy call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
Shringla had also met Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his counterpart Bharat Raj Paudyal.
During his meeting with the Foreign Minister, Shringla conveyed an invitation from Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Gyawali to visit India for the next round of the Joint Commission Meeting.
If sources are to be believed, Shringla conveyed India’s interest in deepening economic linkages, promoting connectivity, expanding the development partnership, and strengthening people-to-people contacts, particularly among the youth.
He briefed PM Oli on the numerous projects being funded by India, which benefit all sections of Nepali society.
Shringla assured that Nepal’s requirements would be considered on priority. Upon Indian Foreign Secretary’s Shringla arrival, he said India and Nepal have “very strong” ties and their endeavor would be to take the relationship between the two nations forward.
They had a one-on-one meeting, apart from the delegation-level talks — included a “candid review of the state of the bilateral relationship”, and the potential for bringing India and Nepal closer.
The Indian Foreign Secretary also invited Nepal to take advantage of India’s market and economic growth.
Shringla also handed over 2,000 vials of Remdesivir injections as part of India’s continued support to Nepal in its efforts to combat COVID-19.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Oli thanked Indian Foreign Secretary Shringla for India’s assistance during COVID-19, while discussions took place on vaccine development and deployment.
Shringla assured that Nepal’s requirements would be considered on priority. Upon Indian Foreign Secretary’s Shringla arrival, he said India and Nepal have “very strong” ties and their endeavor would be to take the relationship between the two nations forward.
Both sides felt that “we should focus on the positives of the wide-ranging relationship.
Furthermore, both sides shared their perspectives on boundary matters and discussed ways to take it forward under the appropriate bilateral mechanisms.
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