Indian Envoy Puri says, ‘Nepal-India relation positive and unique’

KATHMANDU, May 24: Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri has said that the bilateral relation between Nepal and India has always been positive and will remain the same until the end.

“Nepal-India relation is age old and unique. Both the countries Nepal and India are share cultural similarity and closeness. Our societal, economic relation is very special. And I believe, this relation will become stronger and more positive in the coming days,” he said while speaking during an interaction program at the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Wednesday.

He added that Nepal and India not only has the relation of roti and beti but also has exercised the military practice and interaction among armed forces.

Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after assuming office had first paid courtesy visit to Nepal, he added,” Indian Prime Minister Modi first visited Nepal in 2014. After that, such bilateral courtesy visits have been done frequently. In the past six months, six such high level visits have been made- which proves that Indo-Nepal relation is very close and positive.”

Puri stated that India has a huge support in the development of Nepal. he said, “India had already committed about one billion dollars for the post-quake reconstruction. 25o million dollars has been granted and 750 million dollars is in line of credit. ”

Stating that India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economy in the world, Puri added, “Nepal’s economic growth rate has also reached a par with that of India. We have a win win situation here.”

He also said that India in partnership with Nepal had initiated railway link connectivity, road construction, integrated checkpost and hydropower projects in the country.

Puri further said that India always wants to help and join economic partnership with Nepal. He said, “India are among the largest providers of lines of credit to Nepal and we want to make this even faster.”

Nepal has showed its commitment to implementation, and we are quite happy with Indian finance and Nepalese implementation.”

He also suggested Nepal to fast track such possibilities of development and head towards the stability and propriety.

He added, “India is and will remain strongly committed to help and partner with Nepal technologically, capacity wise and in terms of implementation.”

Puri also said that India has given Look East Policy a much sharper focus.

In a different note, Envoy Puri said that he as a diplomat will not make any comments on the political situation of Nepal.

He also thanked Reporters’ Club Nepal and extended best wishes to the club.