Support and exclusive partnership with Nepal : Ambassador Puri
‘INDIA’S RECENT STEP TO GIVE NEW STATUS TO JAMMU AND KASHIMIR IS FOR THE WELFARE OF PEOPLE THERE’
KATHMANDU, Aug 14: India has always wanted Nepal’s progress and development, and is committed to extending support to its prosperity endeavors, said Ambassador of India to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri.
Speaking at a special interaction program organized on the eve of the 73rd Independence Day of India in Reporters’ Club on Wednesday, Ambassador Puri stated that besides socio-cultural, religious and geographical relationship that goes beyond ancient history, it is important to keep the Indo-Nepal bilateral ties keeping in mind contemporary times.
“People from both countries should realize that the bilateral ties have always benefitted them and their country and, thus, should be strengthened,” he said.
“Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Nepal for four times in the past five years. He visited the religious centers of Janakpur and Muktinath and held formal dialogues with Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli and other senior political leaders in the capital.”
“We have witnessed how his visits to Janakpurdham and Muktinath have contributed to tourism there and vice versa. We can see how the development has actually taken place on the ground. Many five star hotels have been opened in Nepalgunj with the aim to attract Indian tourists.”
“This has obviously helped boost the people-to-people contact between two neighbors and their economic development.”
According to Puri, India wants development and prosperity of Nepal as part of its slogan “sab ka sath sab ka vikas” motto, a call not only for economic inclusion but also a celebration of diversity, the creed for social harmony and a commitment to individual liberties and rights.
“Last year the two head of the states inaugurated Arun III Hydel Project, the largest hydroelectricity project of Nepal. I am happy to share that the project is moving forward and will complete in some years,” Puri said.
“This will be a game-changing project in Nepal’s prosperity journey. It is good news that both Nepal and Indian governments are committed to accomplishing this project in time.”
“During PM Oli’s India visit, the Integrated Check Post (ICP) in Birgunj was inaugurated. It is the largest transit point of Indo-Nepal trade. In some months, ICP Biratnagar will be inaugurated. It will be the second most important trade route with Nepal.”
“PM Oli and PM Modi also inaugurated the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline. It is ready now and set to start operation in some weeks. The petroleum products will directly reach Nepal’s Amlekhgunj from India’s refinery area. The oil will directly reach the oil depots. It will save cost, time and benefit trade.”
“Likewise, more projects as such are on the cards in which both countries can establish partnership so that Nepal-India relationship would deepen further contributing to mutual prosperity. It is what we call a win-win situation.”
Highlighting the development strides Indian has taken in the recent years and its fight against terrorism, Puri said Nepal can always benefit from its southern neighbor as India has a neighbor first policy.
“The people of India re-elected Bharatiya Janata Party in the recent Lok Sabha Elections with a resounding majority. It is an example in electoral history of a democratic county where a party with an existing majority has come back even stronger in the next election,” Envoy Puri said.
“It is proof that all the Indian people are on the same line which is fight against terrorism, peace, security, development and progress.”
“India has aimed to reach 5 trillion dollar mark from 3 trillion dollars in the next few years so that the living standard of people will improve.”
“The strongest aspect of the Indian government is fighting against terrorism, protecting India’s sovereignty, peace and security and PM Modi’s desire for economic development.”
“For instance, in India, every household was given LPG cooking gas cylinder under the government’s Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Millions of people who had no access to housing were provided interest-free loans so they could afford to buy a home. These projects have empowered people at the grass root in every village across the country”
“Our growth is high and continual and the Modi government has taken more steps for the development of India.”
“Moreover, the Indian government recent step to give a new status to Jammu and Kashmir is principally aimed at finishing terrorism and establishing peace and security in the region so that the people there will not be deprived of rights that other Indian citizens enjoy. It is for the betterment of Kashmir’s development and progress,” he added.
He furthered, “India is moving in a direction that will unleash development and empower people. It will, of course, benefit India and which, ultimately, I believe will benefit its neighborhoods as well including Nepal.”
“India has and will always lend its support to Nepal. Nepal is always welcomed to join the partnership.”
On the occasion, Ambassador Puri also lauded the Nepali political leaders’ support and contribution during the Indian freedom struggle against British colonialism.
India will mark its 73rd Independence Day tomorrow.