People-to-people link center of India-Nepal relation: Indian Envoy Puri
KATHMANDU, Jan 25: Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri said that the relation between Nepal and India at the people-to-people is the best in the world.
Speaking at a special interaction program organized by Reporters’ Club Nepal on the eve of the 70th Republic Day of India on Friday, Indian Envoy Puri argued that the people-to-people link is the core of India-Nepal bilateral relation. He added that the people-to-people contact between the two countries is very strong and underlined the need to strengthen it by enhancing economic development and mutual cooperation.
“We have enjoyed a positive bilateral relation since the ancient period. We share a relation of roti and beti. There may be only a handful of people who have not watched Bollywood movies. In the recent days, cricket has added another positive dimension in our bilateral ties. Many Nepali people have been fans of Indian television series—which shows the closeness between the Indian and Nepali people,” he said.
“Enhancing the economic partnership and development will help boost the ties at people-to-people level. The Birgunj Integrated Check Post (ICP), inaugurated in April last year, has enhanced the trade and relation between the people of both sides. ICPs at three more points at India-Nepal border viz. Biratnagar, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj are being constructed. I believe this will help boost the contact between the people,” he added, “India-Nepal bus service has also been highly effective.”
On the occasion, Indian Envoy Puri informed that India is organizing a grand cultural festival in Nepal in February/March this year.
“There will be dance, music and academic exchanges. Various famous Indian artists will be attending the festival. There will be Kathakali, Mridangam and Bhangra. It will be a grand festival. The details of the festival will be unveiled in a few days. I hope the Nepali people will be very excited to participate in the festival,” he said.