Prime Minister of India’s neighbor and Friend, Federal
Democratic Republic of Nepal,
Right Honorable K P Sharma Oli Ji,
Respected Members of the delegation,
And media representatives present here,
It is a great pleasure for me to welcome you all here in India. This visit of Prime Minister Oli Ji is happening at the backdrop of the recently concluded historic democratic process in Nepal.Last year, the people of Nepal once again expressed their confidence
in democracy and the federal system. Successful conductof local body, state and federal parliamentary elections is a very big achievement for the government as well as public of Nepal and they are the climax of the changes that started in 2006. For this I
congratulate both the people and the government of Nepal very much.Nepal has now entered a new era of political history. As a neighboring friend country, and as the world's largest democracy, this golden chapter of the history of Nepal is a matter of great
joy for us in India too.
Friends,
In our meetings of yesterday and today, Prime Minister Oli Ji gave me detailed information about his bold vision for the rapid economic development of Nepal and the creation of a happy and inclusive society.We also discussed how India can partner with Nepal
to realize this vision. I understand that my basic principle of "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, development for all) for India’s development and the vision of Prime Minister of Nepal for a "Samruddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepal” (Prosperous Nepal, Happy
Nepal) are complementary to each other. And so, we both agree that we have to move ahead with the hopes and expectations of a public-centered vision, the common goals of development, and the happiness and prosperity of the people of both the countries.
Friends,
India has a very long history of participation in the development of Nepal. I have assured Prime Minister Oli Ji that India will continue to cooperate with them in their efforts of Nepal's economic development and prosperity. As always, this cooperation in
the futurealso will be based on the priorities and requirements set by the Government of Nepal. An important result of our commitment to this cooperation is the decision of cooperation in Inland waterways.With our assistance, Nepal will get an extra connectivity
to the sea. And the country of Everest will be able to connect directly to the ocean.I believe that this is a historical beginning. Nepal will not only be 'land-linked' but 'Water-linked'also. Similarly, we also want to increase rail connectivity.And so we
have also agreed to jointly develop a new rail line linking India with Kathmandu.One of the dimensions of connectivity is related to the infrastructure fortrade and movement of people. Just a few moments ago, we inaugurated Birgunj-Raxaul Integrated Check
Post.This ICP will be the new highway of centuries old geographical, historical, social, economic and cultural relations between India and Nepal. In our today's meeting we also reviewed the progress of all the connectivity projects. Both of us have agreedto
speed up all possible connectivity projects be it an oil pipeline, or integrated check posts, or the Terai roads.
Friends,
India and Nepal, both are agricultural countries. And so, today we have started a new partnership in the agricultural sector and through this partnership we will extend our cooperation on subjects like organic farming, animal husbandry, soil testing, agricultural
research and agricultural education.I am happy that the Prime Minister Oli is taking out time to visit PantnagarKrishiVishwaVidyalaya. I,together with the Prime Minister Oli Ji, also reviewed progress in projects related to water resources and energy. We both
agree to accelerate work on projects like Arun-3, Pancheshwar and Saptakosi-Sunkosi.
Friends,
India and Nepal have close and deep connection on the matters of defense and security. We both agree to prevent the abuse of our Open Border, and to pursue our shared security interests. The open border between the two countries has been a living bridge between
the common people of both the countries. Along with development of Ramayana and Buddhist circuits, we will also increase our cooperation in the areas of skill development, education and health. This will further strengthen our traditional relations between
our two countries. I believe that the historic initiatives that we have taken today will make an important contribution in realizing our vision of the development of both the countries.
Friends,
Mutual cooperation, dialogue and exchanges of experiencebetween the two countries can play an important role instrengthening Nepal's federal democratic system. Once again, I,verywarmly welcome Prime Minister Oli Ji, his wife and the entire delegation in India.
And I also want that we meet again.
Many many thanks.
(Disclaimer: PM’s press statement was delivered in Hindi. This is an approximate translation of his press statement)