PM Modi’s visits to Nepal have taken bilateral ties to a new height, says Indian Ambassador

Kathmandu [Nepal], Jan 26 (ANI): Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri on Saturday said that the two state visits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Nepal in 2018 have taken the bilateral relationships between two neighbouring countries to a new height.
“In the context of India and Nepal, to further strengthen our relation last year some major steps were taken. In April Prime Minister of Nepal, K P Sharma Oli visited India. During his visit, we took three big steps in the field of agriculture, inland waterways, and a direct rail link between Kathmandu to Raxaul in India,” said Puri his addressing the occasion of 70th Republic Day of India.
“We have also got chances twice to welcome India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Nepal. Firstly, he came on a state visit in May 2018, when he received a grand welcome at Kathmandu by Prime Minister Oli. Arun-III, Nepal’s biggest project was inaugurated during his visit. I am very happy that the works of the project are going on speedily,” said Puri.
The Indian Ambassador said that integrated check-posts were made at both Raxaul and Birgunj, which is the most important connectivity point between India and Nepal to facilitate trade and exchange between two countries.
The Indian Embassy also announced book grant to 54 educational institutions and libraries across Nepal to promote access to educational material to students in remote areas.
A press statement released by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday said that on the occasion of 70th Republic Day of India, President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari, Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun ‘Pasang’, and Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli sent separate messages of felicitations to President of India Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi respectively.
“In their messages, President, Vice President, and Prime Minister extended their best wishes for the personal good health and happiness of their Indian counterparts as well as for continued progress and prosperity of the friendly people of India,” read the statement.
“They have also expressed confidence that the ties of friendship between the two countries and peoples would continue to grow further in the days ahead,” the statement added.
On the occasion, school students sang patriotic songs, followed by a scintillating performance by the Nepal Army Band at the Indian Embassy. Ambassador Puri announced cash reward and distributed blankets for the kin of the deceased soldiers of the Indian Army.
The Embassy also unveiled the ‘Bhu Puu-2018’ magazine detailing the welfare initiatives of the Government of India for ex-servicemen domiciled in Nepal. (ANI)