Jaishankar described Nepal's decision to export electricity to India as a “new milestone”. | Photo: PTI
Nepal will export nearly 1,000 megawatts of electricity to India, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Monday after holding extensive talks with his Nepali counterpart Arzu Rana Deuba.
Jaishankar described Nepal’s decision to export electricity to India as a “new milestone”.
Another focus of their discussions was strengthening cooperation in the areas of trade, connectivity and infrastructure.
Deuba began her five-day trip to India on Sunday, her first official trip abroad since assuming this responsibility.
“We discussed the multifaceted cooperation between India and Nepal, including in the areas of energy, trade, connectivity and infrastructure development,” Jaishankar said at 'X'.
“I am happy that Nepal will export nearly 1,000 MW of electricity to India, a new milestone,” he said.
“Our 'Neighbourhood First' policy and unique interpersonal and cultural connections drive our relationships forward,” he added.
Deuba, for her part, described the talks as “productive.”
“Had a productive meeting with @DrSJaishankar in New Delhi. We discussed bilateral interests, various aspects of Nepal-India relations and exchanges on mutual cooperation,” she said on 'X'.
“I am confident that this visit will further strengthen the centuries-old ties between Nepal and India,” said Deuba.
The Nepali Foreign Minister's visit comes a week after Foreign Minister Vikram Misri's trip to Kathmandu.
Nepal is an important neighbour for India in terms of its overall strategic interests in the region and leaders of both countries have often referred to the centuries-old ‘Roti Beti’ relationship between the two sides.
The country shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states – Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Landlocked Nepal is heavily dependent on India for the transport of goods and services.
(Only the headline and image of this report may have been edited by Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
First published: August 19, 2024 | 5:20 p.m. IS
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