Nepal fundamental to India's neighbourhood first approach: Shringla

Speaking at the AIDIA in Kathmandu, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that for India, Nepal is fundamental to its neighbourhood first approach. He further stressed that India's development and modernisations are incomplete and intricately and symbiotically linked to the development and modernisation of neighbouring countries such as Nepal.

Kathmandu: The Nepal and India relationship is intricate and exists in a various paradigm, said Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Friday, adding that Kathamndu is fundamental to India's neighbourhood first approach.

Speaking at the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (AIDIA) here, Shringla, who is on a two-day visit to Kathmandu, said the recent years have given the relationship between the two countries a new momentum.

"The Nepal India relationship is intricate and exists in various paradigm. We share the same geography, same civilisational heritage, culture and custom. The people to people linkages are so strong and so powerful that quite frankly we in government only complement these," said Shringla

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Shringla, who reached the Nepali capital on Thursday, called on Nepali leadership --President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

Shringla had also met Nepal Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali and his Nepali counterpart, Bharat Raj Paudyel.

During his meeting with the Foreign Minister, Shringla conveyed an invitation from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Gyawali to visit India for the next round of the Joint Commission Meeting.

According to sources, Shringla conveyed India's interest in deepening economic linkages, promoting connectivity, expanding the development partnership and strengthening people-to-people contacts, particularly among the youth.

He briefed PM Oli on the numerous projects being funded by India, which benefit all sections of Nepalese society. The Foreign Secretary also invited Nepal to take advantage of India's market and economic growth.

Shringla also handed over 2,000 vials of Remdesivir injections as part of India's continued support to Nepal in its efforts to combat COVID-19.

PM Oli thanked Shringla for India's assistance during COVID-19, while discussions took place on vaccine development and deployment. Shringla assured that Nepal's requirement would be considered on priority.

Upon his arrival, Shringla said India and Nepal have "very strong" ties and their endeavour would be to take the relationship between the two nations forward.

ANI

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