India will be a steadfast partner of Nepal, says Modi

An army member looks through binoculars as he guards the Janaki Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Sita, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit on Friday, in Janakpur, Nepal, on Thursday.

An army member looks through binoculars as he guards the Janaki Mandir, a Hindu temple dedicated to goddess Sita, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit on Friday, in Janakpur, Nepal, on Thursday.   | Photo Credit: REUTERS

PM’s two-day visit is the first after Nepal elected a new govt.

India will be a strong partner of Nepal as Kathmandu consolidates the benefits of democratic rule, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi indicating the agenda for the May 11-12 trip to the Himalayan country.

The Prime Minister described his visit as a sign of high priority that India attaches to the country.

“As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of Nepal to implement its vision of ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’,” said Prime Minister Modi in a statement. The visit will be the first by the leader after Nepal elected a new government under the 2015 constitution.

Mr. Modi will land in Janakpur by noon of May 11 and will visit the famous temple of Sita and attend a civic reception in the city where he is expected to announce measures to integrate the city to the Ramayana tourism circuit.

Main highlight

Starting the Arun III hydropower project is the main highlight of the visit.

“The two Prime Ministers are expected to jointly lay the foundation stone for the 900 Mw Arun III power project. This is the largest hydropower project to be undertaken in Nepal,” said an official spokesperson on Thursday.

Both sides are likely to discuss the Pancheshwar power project as well, said a high level official.