EAM Jaishankar jointly inaugurates 59 projects in Nepal completed with Indian grant assistance
Continuing with his efforts to impart further momentum to the India-Nepal bilateral relationship, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar participated in the inauguration of a slew of India-assisted projects in Kathmandu on the second day of his visit on Friday (January 5, 2023).
 
This included the new Central Library at the prestigious Tribhuvan University, 25 education projects, 32 health projects and 1 cultural sector project. All have been built under Indian Gant assistance.

Speaking at the inauguration of Tribhuvan University Central Library, EAM S Jaishankar emphasized the significant transformation and expansion in India-Nepal relations in recent years, highlighting advancements in various sectors. He noted that the partnership has grown extensively, with connectivity — physical, digital, and energy-related — being a key aspect of this collaboration, strengthening the people-to-people connections between the two countries.
 
India’s Financial Aid for Post-earthquake Reconstruction 
 
In 2017, India pledged to provide financial assistance of USD1 billion to Nepal for reconstruction in areas hit by the 2015 earthquake. 

This included a grant of USD 250 million for Housing (USD 100 million), Education (USD 50 million), Health (USD 50 million), and Heritage (USD 50 million). The remaining USD 750 million is in the form of a Line of Credit (LoC).
 
EAM Jaishankar reflected on India's role in Nepal's reconstruction following the 2015 earthquake. He expressed satisfaction and pride in India's contribution and mentioned that Nepal's government prioritized housing, education, health, and cultural heritage in its reconstruction efforts post-earthquake. 
 
The minister specifically noted the completion of 50,000 houses funded by the Government of India in November 2021 and the completion and handover of all 71 education sector projects to the Government of Nepal after the inaugurations on Friday.

The newly built three-story library at Tribhuvan University, representing an investment of about INR 360 million, is designed to serve around 2,000 students for their study and research needs.
 
Furthermore, there are ongoing plans to introduce a Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID) in the library, which will modernize and streamline the processes for lending and returning books. With this move, India is now a key partner in the educational and cultural development in Nepal.
 
PRODUCTIVE DISCUSSIONS IN KATHMANDU

On Thursday, EAM Jaishankar co-chaired a productive meeting of the 7th India-Nepal Joint Commission with his Nepal counterpart NP Saud. The discussions covered a wide range of areas including land, rail and air connectivity projects, defence cooperation, security, energy, power and water resources, and High Impact Community Development Projects.
 
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.
 
While in Kathmandu, he called on Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
 
He also met with other prominent Nepali political leaders, including former Prime Ministers Madhav Kumar Nepal, KP Sharma Oli, and Sher Bahadur Deuba.
 
On Friday, EAM Jaishankar visited the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, a revered Hindu temple and a significant cultural site, demonstrating the cultural ties between the two nations.

This was followed by an interaction with the Nepal cricket team during which he congratulated them on qualifying for the T20 World Cup. He also communicated India’s role as a prominent supporter of the upcoming cricket preparations.