S Jaishankar about India-Nepal Ties

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted the substantial transformation in India-Nepal bilateral ties during the joint inauguration of projects in Kathmandu. Emphasizing the multifaceted progress, Jaishankar underscored the pivotal role of connectivity, including physical, digital, and energy-related aspects, which has solidified the collaboration and strengthened people-to-people linkages between the two nations.

Addressing the joint inauguration, Jaishankar expressed satisfaction and pride in India’s contributions to Nepal’s reconstruction efforts after the 2015 earthquake. He mentioned the completion of the Tribhuvan University Central Library and numerous projects, including 25 schools, 32 health initiatives, and a Cultural Heritage Sector project. India’s support, amounting to USD one billion, included a USD 250 million grant and the remainder as a line of credit. Specifically, India funded the construction of 50,000 houses, completed in November 2021.

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Commending the partnership between the governments of Nepal and India, Jaishankar acknowledged the completion of all 71 education sector projects undertaken with reconstruction grants. He expressed hope for the swift utilization of these facilities and assured continued support.

Jaishankar also mentioned India’s prompt response to Nepal’s earthquake in November the previous year, providing five tranches of emergency relief. He conveyed India’s commitment to stand by Nepal, extending a financial package of Nepali Rupees 1000 crores (USD 75 million) for infrastructure reconstruction in affected districts.

During his two-day visit to Kathmandu, Jaishankar called on Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and discussed the positive momentum in bilateral ties, echoing warm wishes from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The minister affirmed that the unique friendship between the two nations was gaining strength through various collaborative initiatives.

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