During today’s talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ the focus will be on economic, energy, and infrastructure matters, particularly deepening cooperation in the power sector through new initiatives.
This visit marks Prime Minister Prachanda’s first bilateral visit to India since assuming office in December 2022. Previously, he visited India twice in 2016 and 2008 during his tenure as Prime Minister of Nepal.
The discussions today will build upon the successful outcomes of previous high-level visits, including Prime Minister Deuba’s visit to New Delhi in April 2022 and Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lumbini in May 2022, as both sides aim to enhance the multifaceted relationship between India and Nepal.
The agenda will focus on transforming the longstanding ties between the two nations, encompassing various dimensions such as economic, energy, and infrastructure, thereby fostering deeper cooperation.
A key area of emphasis will be strengthening collaboration in the power sector through the introduction of new initiatives.
The India-Nepal Joint Vision Statement on Power Sector Cooperation in April 2022 was a significant milestone, with Nepal currently exporting over 450 MW of electricity to India. Indian companies have also expressed keen interest in developing hydropower projects in Nepal.
Moreover, India played a vital role as the Country Partner in the recently concluded Power Summit in Nepal in April 2023, witnessing active participation from Indian companies.
The Prime Ministers will review the India-Nepal Development Partnership, which serves as a crucial pillar of the bilateral relations.
India has been actively involved in several major infrastructure projects in Nepal, including the Arun III hydropower project, Gorakhpur-Butwal 400 kV cross-border line, ICPs in Nepalgunj-Rupaidiha and Bhairahawa-Sunauli, as well as railway projects like Jayanagar-Bijalpura-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar rail link.
These projects have made significant progress. Noteworthy past achievements include the ICPs in Biratnagar and Birgunj, along with the Motihari-Amlekhgunj Petroleum Pipeline, which was the first cross-border petroleum product pipeline in South Asia.
Enhancing financial connectivity between the two countries will also be a key point of discussion. In April 2022, during the visit of Nepal’s former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India, the RuPay card was launched in Nepal.
Furthermore, the leaders will focus on strengthening people-to-people and cultural ties, which serve as a strong foundation for the modern India-Nepal relationship.