Nepal and India on 2nd April signed four agreements and came up with the blueprint on cooperation on the power and energy sector.

The agreements were signed followed by the delegation level talks between Nepal and India led by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi.

Deuba is currently in New Delhi on a three-day official visit to India.

The four agreements are Nepal officially joining the international solar alliance, Indian technical assistance to Nepal’s railway sector, cooperation in the field of petroleum sector and exchange of expertise between Nepal Oil Corporation and Indian Oil Corporation.

The agreements were announced after the delegation level talks.

Both prime ministers also flagged off the Kurtha-Jayanagar cross-border passenger train services. Similarly, Deuba and Modi also jointly launched India’s RuPay digital card for use in Nepal. Deuba and Modi also jointly inaugurated the Solu Corridor 132 KV Power Transmission Line and Substation in Nepal built under the government of India's line of credit.

While addressing a press conference after witnessing the agreement signing ceremony, Deuba said that fruitful discussions were held on various aspects of Nepal-India relations.

In his meeting with the Indian Prime Minister, Deuba said that he has proposed to resolve the boundary dispute through the bilateral mechanism. We have discussed the border issue, Deuba said while addressing the press conference with Modi, and I have proposed to resolve it through bilateral mechanisms.

“We shared our perspectives on further strengthening our friendly ties. I truly admire your love and affection for Nepal and the Nepali people and my visit today will further enforce these innate sentiments” said Deuba.

Deuba also thanked Modi for providing assistance in the fight against the Covid pandemic.

“I admire the progress that India is making under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi,” said Deuba. “We have seen India's effective management in battling Covid-19 and received first vaccine aid from India as well as medicines, medical equipment and logistics to combat Covid-19.”

“We have also agreed to expedite the Pancheshwar Project. This project will prove to be a game charger in this region,” said Modi. “I am delighted to announce that several more proposals for importing power from Nepal are being approved.”

“I am happy that Nepal has become a member of the International Solar Alliance,” said Modi. “This will promote sustainable, affordable and clean energy in our region.”

Deuba and Modi also discussed trade and commerce and initiatives to be taken for border connectivity as well as construction of Nepal Police Academy, Integrated Check Post in Nepalgunj, the Ramayana Circuit.

“We discussed various aspects of our cooperation, reviewed the progress of various projects and also discussed the blueprint of the future. Both of us agree that we must reap the benefits of the opportunities for cooperation in the power sector,” said Modi.

“It is a matter of joy that Nepal is exporting its surplus power to India. This will make positive contributions to the economic development of Nepal,”

On the launch of the RuPay card in Nepal, Modi said “it will add a new chapter to our financial connectivity.

Nepal is the fourth country to launch the card.

On Deuba and Nepal, Modi said, “Deuba ji is an old friend of India. As prime minister, this is his fifth visit to India. He has played an important role in developing India-Nepal relations. The friendship between India and Nepal and relations between our people make an example that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.”

“Nepal and India have been friends since time immemorial,” said Modi.

“India has been a firm companion in Nepal's journey of peace, prosperity and development; it will always be.”