India-Nepal partnership is moving from strength to strength, EAM Jaishankar says
India and Nepal reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties including the robust development partnership between the two nations at the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal on Thursday (January 4, 2023).
 
The meeting, which was co-chaired by India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud, saw discussions on a wide range of issues like trade and economic relations, connectivity projects, and defence cooperation.

The two ministers also witnessed the signing of a slew of agreements, including the implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) and long-term power trade.
 
"Co-chaired with my counterpart FM @NPSaudnc a comprehensive and productive meeting of the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission. 
 
Discussions focused on our overall bilateral ties, trade & economic relations, land, rail & air connectivity projects, cooperation in defense & security, agriculture, energy, power, water resources, disaster management, tourism, civil aviation, people-to-people & cultural exchanges and development partnership," EAM Jaishankar posted on social media platform X. 

During the meeting, EAM Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Saud witnessed the exchange of agreements on:
1. Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects
2. Long Term Power Trade 
3. Cooperation in Renewable Energy Development
4. Munal Satellite
5. Handover of 5th tranche of post-Jajarkot earthquake relief supply. 
 
The two ministers also jointly inaugurated three cross-border transmission lines, EAM Jaishankar said on X.
 
While in Kathmandu, EAM Jaishankar called on Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and discussed the steps taken as a follow-up to his visit to New Delhi last year.

"Called on Rt. Hon’ble PM @cmprachanda. Conveyed the warm wishes of PM @narendramodi. 
 
Recalled his successful visit to India in June 2023 which has imparted a new momentum to our ties. Discussed the follow-up, including through the Joint Commission Meeting today.
 
India-Nepal friendship is indeed unique and our partnership is moving from strength to strength," EAM Jaishankar posted on X. 
 
His engagements for the day included calling on Nepal President Ramchandra Paudel.

"Honoured to call on @OOP_Nepal Ramchandra Paudel. Conveyed the warm greetings of President Droupadi Murmu. Valued his guidance and sentiments for a strong and expanding India-Nepal ties," he said in a post on X.
 
Announcing the visit on Wednesday, India's Ministry of External Affairs described Nepal as a priority partner of India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. "The visit is in keeping with the tradition of high-level exchanges between two close and friendly neighbours," the MEA noted.