External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has said, India and Nepal collaborate closely to maintain security along their long and uniquely open border and the two countries have always stood by each other in times of need.
In his opening remarks during a meeting with his Nepalese counterpart Shisir Khanal in New Delhi on Saturday evening, the External Affairs Minister said, India and Nepal share a very special relationship.
He said, the relationship is built on a strong foundation of vibrant people-to-people ties, cross-border connectivity, and shared cultural and religious traditions.
Dr Jaishankar conveyed best wishes for the success of the government in Nepal. The External Affairs Minister said, there is strong alignment between the objectives outlined by the Nepal government and the initiatives that India has taken in the neighbourhood.
He said, the bilateral ties have steadily developed in areas like trade, commerce, investments, energy, development cooperation, education, disaster response, and culture. Dr Jaishankar added that today both sides have an opportunity to also take it forward in many other areas, in newer domains like startups, AI, information technology, renewable energy, and others.
Mr Khanal said, India is Nepal’s most important partner and Nepal has placed highest priority to India. He said, Nepal and India are not merely two countries but stakeholders of a proud ancient civilization.
The Foreign Affairs Minister of Nepal thanked India for fuel and fertilisers supply amid West Asia crisis. Mr Khanal arrived in New Delhi yesterday on a three-day visit to India.