NewKerala.com

India Delivers 60+ Vehicles to Nepal as First Batch of Election Support

India has formally handed over more than 60 double-cab pickup vehicles to Nepal as the first installment of election-related assistance ahead of the March 5 polls. The Indian Embassy stated this is part of a larger commitment to provide around 650 vehicles, delivered in batches in the coming weeks. The assistance, requested by the Nepali government, comes at a critical time following the destruction of thousands of government vehicles during protests last year. This support continues a tradition of election aid from India dating back to 2008, reflecting the deep partnership between the two nations.

Key Points: India Provides Vehicles to Nepal for Upcoming Elections

  • First tranche of 60+ vehicles delivered
  • Total of 650 vehicles pledged for elections
  • Support provided since Nepal's 2008 elections
  • Aims to ease vehicle shortage after protests
2 min read

Nepal receives over 60 vehicles from India in first tranche of election support

India hands over first batch of 60+ vehicles to Nepal for election support, part of a larger 650-vehicle assistance package ahead of March polls.

"The ongoing cooperation... symbolizes the deep mutual trust and friendship between the people of India and Nepal. - Indian Embassy"

Kathmandu, Jan 20

India on Tuesday handed over more than 60 double-cab pickup vehicles and other supplies to Nepal to help prepare for the elections scheduled for March 5.

This marks the first tranche of election-related assistance from India, handed over to Nepal's Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal at a formal ceremony, the Indian Embassy said in a statement on Tuesday. The Indian government will provide around 650 vehicles for the upcoming elections, which will be delivered in separate batches over the next few weeks, according to the embassy.

Charge d'Affaires of the Indian Embassy in Nepal, Dr. Rakesh Pandey, handed over the vehicles on Tuesday. The vehicles are part of the assistance requested by the Nepali government in connection with preparations for the upcoming elections, the embassy said.

During the handover ceremony, Minister Aryal thanked the government and people of India for the gifted vehicles and supplies. He also appreciated the deep and comprehensive nature of ties between India and Nepal.

Based on requests from the Nepali government, the southern neighbour has been providing election-related support to Nepal since 2008, when the first Constituent Assembly elections were held in the Himalayan nation.

According to the embassy, the Indian government has gifted as many as 2,400 vehicles to various ministries and departments of the Nepali government and the Election Commission.

"The ongoing cooperation and support from the Indian side is not only an apt reflection of the multi-faceted and multi-sectoral development partnership that exists between the two countries," the embassy said, "but also symbolizes the deep mutual trust and friendship between the people of India and Nepal."

At a time when hundreds of government-owned vehicles were destroyed during the Gen-Z revolt in September last year, the delivery of vehicles by the Indian government is expected to help ease the situation for the Nepali government.

A government-formed committee tasked with assessing the damage caused during the Gen-Z protests found that as many as 8,430 government-owned vehicles were damaged.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the support is commendable, I hope this assistance is given with no strings attached. Nepal's sovereignty must be respected. The focus should purely be on helping a friendly neighbour conduct free and fair elections.
V
Vikram M
Good move. After the protests damaged so many vehicles, Nepal needs this logistical help. It's practical support that directly aids their election commission. Our tax money being used for a good cause in the region.
P
Priya S
It's heartening to see such sustained support since 2008. This isn't a one-off thing, it's a long-term partnership. More than vehicles, it's about supporting democracy in our backyard. 🙏
R
Rohit P
I just hope our own election commissions in various states get similar timely support and new vehicles! Sometimes charity begins at home too. But still, well done MEA.
K
Karthik V
Strong neighbours make a strong region. This is how diplomacy should work - concrete help during need. The deep cultural and people-to-people ties between India and Nepal are our greatest asset.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50