JANAKPURDHAM: Madhesh Province Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav has said the provincial government is committed to further strengthening Nepal-India relations, citing the longstanding religious, cultural, social and economic ties between the two countries.
Speaking at a discussion titled ‘Current State of Nepal-India Relations’ organised in Janakpurdham on the occasion of India’s Independence Day, Yadav said the relationship between Nepal and India extends beyond government-to-government ties and remains deeply rooted at the people-to-people level.
He stressed the need for continued cooperation to strengthen religious, linguistic, cultural and trade relations between the two countries, calling for greater collaboration in infrastructure, trade, education, health and tourism in border areas.
Yadav said Madhesh Province, which shares a direct border with India, has an important role to play in expanding the two countries’ economic and social ties. He also called for more effective cooperation with the Indian government and private sector to support the province’s development and prosperity.
He said increased investment in agriculture, industry, trade and infrastructure could help accelerate economic activity in Madhesh. He also emphasised developing Janakpurdham as a major religious and cultural tourism destination by leveraging the shared heritage between Nepal and India.
According to Yadav, stronger links between Janakpurdham and religious and cultural destinations in India could promote tourism and increase movement and interaction between citizens of the two countries.
He also called for expanded cooperation in education and healthcare. He said support from India and other development partners could contribute to infrastructure development, skilled manpower and technological advancement in health education in Madhesh Province.
At the programme, Devisahay Meena, head of the Indian Consulate General in Birgunj, said India remains committed to further strengthening Nepal-India relations based on mutual respect, equality and cooperation.
He said the Indian government would continue its support for Nepal’s development in areas including physical infrastructure, education and healthcare.
Former ministers Ram Chandra Jha and Dr Surendra Yadav, as well as former vice-chairperson of the Madhesh Province Policy and Planning Commission Dr Bhogendra Jha, also called for prioritising solutions to shared problems in border areas, facilitating trade and movement, and expanding cooperation in education, healthcare, tourism and cultural exchanges.
The discussion was attended by intellectuals, political leaders, social activists and media professionals.
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