Nepal comes first in India’s neighborhood policy, says Modi

KATHMANDU, May 11: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day state visit to Nepal, addressed a civic reception in Janakpur on Friday.

Addressing the civic reception, The Indian PM said that it was his long due wish to visit the land of Goddess Sita and offer his prayers. Earlier in the day, Modi visited offered worship at the Janaki Temple accompanied by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. The India PM was received by PM Oli at Janaki temple. The two prime ministers also flagged off Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service and inaugurated Ramayan Circuit.

Hailing India-Nepal ties, Modi said that without Nepal, India’s history is incomplete.

“Indo-Nepal relationship dates back to the Treta Yug when King Janak and King Dashrath not only united Janakpur and Ayodhya but, also India and Nepal,” he said.

Modi further said that the people of India and Nepal are bound by mutual respect for each other and Nepal has been a spiritual tourism spot for decades. “India’s faith is incomplete without Nepal,” he added.

“We believe that Nepal’s development is the formula of regional development,” he said. Stressing the importance of Nepal, Modi said that Nepal comes first in India’s neighborhood policy.

He further said that history is proof, that whenever there has been a problem, India and Nepal have stood together. “We have been there for each other in the most difficult of times.”

Talking about Indian government’s policy of Sabka Saath Sabka Vikaas, the Indian prime minister said “I not only talk about India but, also about neighboring countries. I always want the development of our neighbors. Today, I’m happy that Nepal is developing rapidly,” he said.

Modi also talked about ‘New India’ and said that Indians have taken a pledge to make a ‘New India’ by 2022. The India where there is a chance even for the poorest of poor, where there is no place for discrimination or corruption, we are moving towards that India, he added.

Mentioning the bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya that Modi inaugurated with Oli, he said that the two nations are giving priority to connectivity.

“Last month me and Nepal’s Prime Minister Oli inaugurated the first Integrated Check Post. We also announced a new partnership in the agriculture sector. Under the partnership, cooperation in the field of agriculture will be promoted,” he said.

He further added that India will always extend support to implement Nepal government ‘Samriddha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali’, introduced by Prime Minister Oli.

“India remains a steadfast partner of Nepal government to implement its vision Samridha Nepal, Sukhi Nepali,” he said.

Talking about the elections in Nepal, Modi said, “You have chosen a new government. You’ve given a mandate to fulfill your hopes aspirations.” He also congratulated the Nepal government for successfully making a three-level choice within a year.

Modi also said that India and Nepal’s ties are based on 5 Ts – tradition, trade, tourism, technology, transport. He said that these 5Ts will take India and Nepal forward in the direction of development.