KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said the Nepal government is committed to expanding and further strengthening bilateral relations with India through renewed cooperation and mutual trust.
In an interview with Indian television channel NDTV on Saturday, Khanal said the government, led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is focused on enhancing the multidimensional relationship between the two neighboring countries.
Highlighting the close ties between Nepal and India, he noted that despite having an open border, both countries respect and accommodate each other’s security concerns.
Referring to his recent meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar during an event in Mauritius, Khanal stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in all possible areas.
He said Nepal expects greater Indian support, investment, and cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, infrastructure, education, health, technology, and connectivity.
The minister also expressed confidence that India would continue supporting Nepal’s efforts to export electricity to Bangladesh through Indian territory.
“We are not carrying the baggage of the past,” Khanal said, adding that Nepal had not fully utilized the development opportunities offered by its two giant neighbors in previous years.
He said Nepal intends to use diplomacy to promote mutual benefits and build a positive future through deeper economic and development partnerships.
According to Khanal, the recent visit of RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane to India and the reception he received from Indian political leaders and government officials have helped create momentum for elevating bilateral ties.
The foreign minister also voiced optimism that Nepal and India would soon reach concrete agreements on railway expansion, educational cooperation, and technology development initiatives.
He said the government remains committed to identifying new areas of partnership that can contribute to improving the livelihoods of Nepali citizens and strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
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