Indian PM Modi congratulates Oli, assures support for Nepal’s development

AMBASSADOR PURI, INDIAN EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SWARAJ CONGRATULATE OLI

KATHMANDU, Feb 16: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has congratulated and extended best wishes to the newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal, KP Sharma Oli.

Modi called PM Oli at around 10 pm on Thursday and extended best wishes for his successful tenure as prime minister, according to Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri. Modi, on the telephone conversation, pledged to provide all possible cooperation and support in Nepal’s development and prosperity.

Quoting Modi, Ambassador Puri told Reporters’ Club Nepal, “May Nepal achieve economic progress, development and prosperity in Oli’s tenure! India is willing to move ahead cooperating with Nepal and extend special support in development sectors.”

In exchange, Oli said that development and prosperity of Nepal was his prime agenda and added he was eager to further consolidate the positive bilateral ties between Nepal and India.

Oli told his counterpart Modi, “India has always assisted in Nepal’s economic development. I believe that more support will come from India in the days ahead.”

Both the prime ministers, during the telephone conversation, invited each other for a courtesy visit and accepted the request.

Modi, during the conversation, said that he was eager to welcome Oli in India. Oli also invited Modi to Nepal to visit Janakpur and Muktinath temple.

Ambassador Puri said to Rishi Dhamala that the telephone conversation between Oli and Modi was very positive. Puri had reached Oli’s residence at Balkot on Thursday evening to congratulate him and extend best wishes.

According to Puri, Indian EAM Swaraj also called Oli and congratulated him yesterday.

Quoting Swaraj, Puri said, “Nepal will gain economic prosperity in your (Oli’s) leadership. I want to assure you that India will extend every possible support to help Nepal progress and develop.”

On the occasion, Oli also lauded Ambassador Puri’s contribution in strengthening Indo-Nepal bilateral relation and hoped for positive role in the coming days, PM close sources said.