Indian envoy Naveen Srivastava and Nepal PM Balen Shah discuss "bilateral cooperation and development partnership"
Kathmandu, August 10
Bilateral ties and development partnerships took centre stage during a high-level diplomatic interaction as Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Balendra Shah at the PMO in Singhadurbar.
Detailing the foundational objectives of the diplomatic dialogue, the Nepal Prime Minister's Office (PMO) released a statement highlighting the core parameters of the meeting.
"Ambassador of India to Nepal H. E. Mr Naveen Srivastava (@navsri6619) paid a courtesy call on the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr Balendra Shah (@ShahBalen) at Singhadurbar today. On the occasion, discussions were focused on further strengthening Nepal-India relations, promoting bilateral cooperation and enhancing development partnership for the mutual benefit of two countries," the PMO said in a post on X.
Adding depth to the bilateral outreach, Ambassador Srivastava also shared his perspectives on the engagement, emphasising the transmission of high-level diplomatic regards and a mutual dedication to cultivating robust multi-faceted ties.
"Honoured to call on Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal (@ShahBalen) this morning," Ambassador Srivastava posted on X, "Conveyed warm greetings from Prime Minister Modi ji (@narendramodi). Had an engaging & productive exchange of views on further deepening robust, multi-faceted India - Nepal partnership," he wrote.
The interaction underscores the continued commitment of both New Delhi and Kathmandu to build upon their longstanding friendship, driving forward cooperative initiatives across multiple sectors of mutual interest.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava also met with Nepal's Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar. The meeting between the Indian Ambassador and the Nepali PM went on for about an hour.
This meeting marks the first time Shah has held face-to-face bilateral talks with an individual foreign diplomat since taking office nearly four months ago. Shah had previously maintained a firm stance against single-delegate meetings with ambassadors, preferring group interactions instead.
Following his meeting with Srivastava, Shah is scheduled to hold a separate one-to-one discussion with Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming later today, followed by a meeting with US Charge d'Affaires Scott Urbom tomorrow.
Sources close to the Prime Minister noted that preparations for these high-level diplomatic meetings were finalised weeks ago but were briefly delayed following recent events in Sunsari.
Nepal is one of India's largest and most prominent development partners. India-Nepal Cooperation for developing modern infrastructure in Nepal began in 1951 with the construction of Gauchar Airport in Kathmandu (completed in 1954).
The Indian Aid Mission in Nepal was also set up in 1954 for coordinating various developmental projects of the Government of India in areas of connectivity, health, education, power and other sectors.
Over the past seven decades, India-Nepal development cooperation has expanded and diversified. It now covers a wide range of sectors such as health, education, power, archives, archaeology, connectivity, trade, agriculture, cultural heritage preservation, and capacity building amongst many.
The projects implemented are based on the needs and priorities of Nepal and are spread across the length and breadth of the country.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The mention of Gauchar Airport being built in 1951 really shows how deep our ties go. 70+ years of cooperation in infrastructure, education, health - this isn't just diplomatic talk. India has consistently been there for Nepal's development.
Interesting that PM Shah previously refused single-delegate meetings with ambassadors but made an exception for India. That says a lot about the special relationship we have with Nepal. Also noteworthy that he's meeting with Chinese and US diplomats right after - typical balancing act, but India is clearly prioritized.
This is classic Indian diplomacy - building relationships through development partnerships rather than political posturing. The fact that projects are based on Nepal's needs and priorities shows we respect their sovereignty. Wishing both nations continued prosperity!
While this is encouraging, I hope India also addresses the border sensitive issues and trade concerns that Nepali citizens often raise. Development partnerships are great but people-to-people connections need to be nurtured with transparency too. Let's not ignore the elephant in the room.
Aapad-dharma friendship! This is what good neighborly relations look like. From Gauchar Airport in 1954 to modern projects now - India has always stood by Nepal. The PMO statement says it right - mutual benefit for both countries. These are the kind of diplomatic initiatives that strengthen South Asia as a whole.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.