KATHMADU: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana held a meeting with Munu Mahawar, Additional Secretary of India’s Ministry of External Affairs, to discuss various aspects of Nepal-India relations, mutual concerns, and future cooperation.
During the meeting, Minister Rana emphasized Nepal’s strong commitment to maintaining close ties with India for the mutual benefit of both nations.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of the Boundary Working Group (BWG), which has not convened in recent years. Both sides agreed on the need to hold the BWG meeting soon, as directed by the Nepal-India Joint Commission in January 2024, to address any border-related issues.
Minister Rana also reiterated Nepal’s request for additional air routes and direct flights from various Indian cities to Gautam Buddha International Airport in Bhairahawa and Pokhara International Airport. She urged the Indian government to prioritize this issue.
Furthermore, the meeting reviewed recent bilateral engagements, including the Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Trade (IGC) and the Nepal-India Energy Meeting held in Kathmandu this month. Both parties acknowledged their positive outcomes and the necessity of continued collaboration.
Rana also sought India’s facilitation in transporting construction materials through Indian territory for Nepal’s road project from Darchula to Tinkar, citing geographical constraints. Nepal has already submitted a formal request regarding this matter.
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