KATHMANDU: Nepal and India held the 9th meeting of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) in Kathmandu Monday.

The meeting was co-chaired by Indian Ambassador to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra and Foreign Secretary at Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Bharat Raj Paudyal.

The OSM was set up in 2016 to monitor the progress of various Indian-assisted projects and initiatives. The meeting saw participation of representatives from various ministries, departments and agencies from the Nepali side and officers of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, consultants, contractors and other stakeholders.

The meeting carried out a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation projects since its 8th meeting held on August 17, 2020. Both sides deliberated on the issues at length and agreed to expedite the implementation of the projects.

The co-chairs noted the progress made in various development projects in the last one year despite the constraints of the COVID-pandemic, which showcased the strength and resolve of our bilateral partnership and the proactive support and facilitation extended by both sides.

The meeting recognized progress in reconstruction of houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot, which is almost nearing completion, completion of 13 road packages in Terai area of Nepal, satisfactory progress in Arun-III project as well in most of the road and transmission line projects under Government of India’s Lines of Credit and commencement of construction of Integrated Check Post at Nepalgunj.

The two sides agreed to follow-up on the decisions of OSM through regular co-ordination to support project implementation and resolve ground-level issues. Both chairs of the meeting also noted with appreciation COVID-19 related cooperation, including supply of medicines, medical equipment, beds, ICU, ventilators, and vaccines to Nepal by India.

It was agreed to hold the next meeting of the OSM on a mutually convenient date.