AMN / NEW DELHI

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, India and Nepal have strong relations in the area of security and are committed to stopping misuse of open borders.

In a joint media briefing after holding delegation-level talks with Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli in New Delhi today, Mr Modi assured his Nepalese counterpart that India remains committed to strengthening its partnership with the Himalayan nation.

He stated that the government’s vision of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is a guiding framework for India’s engagement with its neighbours for a shared vision of inclusive development and prosperity.
The Prime Minister said, there is a long history of India’s contribution in Nepal’s development and assured that it will continue in future.

He said, India would like to improve waterways and rail connectivity. Mr Modi and Mr Oli agreed to construct a new electrified rail line, with India’s financial support. This will connect the border city of Raxaul in India to Kathmandu.

Taking cognizance of their geographies and noting the development of inland waterways in both countries, the two leaders took the landmark decision to develop the inland waterways for the movement of cargo.

They appreciated the progress made in the implementation of Phase-I of the India-Nepal cross-border rail link projects.

The Nepalese Prime Minister stated that his government attaches high importance to further strengthening friendly relations with India.

He expressed his government’s desire to develop bilateral relations in a way so as to benefit from India’s progress and prosperity for economic transformation and development. Mr Oli also underlined the importance of regional and sub-regional cooperation for the common prosperity of the people of the region.

Our correspondent reports that three separate joint statements on the key areas of mutual interest – rail linkage, inland waterways and agriculture – were issued after the delegation level talks.