RISHI DHAMALA:  Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, during his five-day state visit to India, has become successful in winning the trust of his counterpart Narendra Modi. The Indian government placed PM Deuba’s visit as of high significance. PM Deuba had embarked on a trip to India on August 23 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Within a few hours of his arrival in the Indian capital, Indian Prime Minister Modi called on a ‘surprise warm-up’ meeting with PM Deuba. And, the 30 minutes long one-to-one talk between the two visiting head of the state is a matter of great significance from any diplomatic point of view; and it has already gestured towards producing extraordinary outcomes.

After Deuba raised the issue of constitution amendment in Delhi following his bilateral meeting with Modi, it provoked a number of harsh criticisms in Nepal from the opposition parties and even the ruling partner CPN (Maoist Center) questioning the supremacy of Nepal’s sovereignty and parliament. Also, the understanding on expediting of DPR of the Koshi high dam construction at the back of the fresh memories of devastating floods and landslides in southern plains also invited anger among Nepali people.

Despite this, his India visit can be taken as of huge success as it was focused on strengthening of relations and expansion of development cooperation and connectivity thereby enhancing economic and diplomatic ties.

Experts analyze that India is aware of Nepal’s increasing bilateral alliance with economic powerhouse China. In this backdrop, it was Indian PM Modi’s strategic move to develop closer ties with Nepal’s top political leaders in his hand.

Although four prime ministers of Nepal have paid courtesy visit to India, since Modi became prime minister in 2014, Deuba was the first after the then Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to receive special welcome at his arrival at Indira Ghandi International Airport when he was welcomed by the then Indian PM Dr Manamohan Singn in 2063 BS.

Indian Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj herself received Deuba giving a message of special respect and significance. After Koirala, numerous prime ministers from Nepal had India visits but failed to receive such accolade.

PM Deuba also called on Indian President, Vice-president and other top leaders of India during his visit. His counterpart Modi called on Deuba twice. He invited PM Deuba at the former’s official residence and held a meeting a day prior to scheduled meeting. Although the meeting was informal in nature, such meetings added to the cordiality of the relations among them. The meeting helped boost the bilateral relations and cement the mutual trust—clearing any misunderstandings and strains between the two sides.

A joint press conference was organized after the bilateral talks. The 46-points joint press release was focused on the effective implementation of past accords made so far between Nepal and India and the future projects.

Deuba clearly raised the issues of national interest during the meeting. Modi also expressed his happiness about Deuba’s proposals. The important achievements of the bilateral visit was the understanding to expedite the detailed project report (DPR) of the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project, electricity supply from India to end the load shedding in Nepal, cooperation in the sub-regional, regional and international forums for development and promotion of two countries’ cultural relations and necessary support from India for the national pride projects declared by the Nepal government.

Deuba also raised the issue of constitution amendment in Delhi and expressed his commitment to amend constitution to make it acceptable to all the communities. Although it evoked angered criticism from opposition parties in Nepal, it shows Deuba’s is gaining support from international communities to direct Nepal in the path of constitution implementation and political stability. It may be noted that Indian PM Modi has always mentioned that Nepal’s constitution should be inclusive and represent the voice of all people and communities of Nepal.

The disgruntled Rastriya Janata Party Nepal also registered at the Election Commission for the upcoming elections while PM Deuba was in India visit—thanks to Deuba’s tactical ability which finally persuaded the disgruntled sides to come abroad the election process. Indian PM Modi also congratulated Deuba for successfully holding local level elections and pledged any kind support in the process of constitution implementation.

One of the most significant achievements of this visit is: Deuba’s invitation to Indian PM for laying foundation stone to the much awaited Arun III project. Indian PM Modi has also expressed his wish to visit Nepal again. He had visited Nepal in 2014. His another visit to Nepal will prove another milestone for both the countries in strengthening diplomatic ties and moving forward in the path of peace and prosperity.

Indian PM Modi has always given high emphasis on infrastructure development in Nepal. He wants to establish connectivity between the two countries through railway construction and accelerate the Postal Highway construction. Concrete measures for the proper utilization of water resources are also the agendas of top priority.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadru Mahara’s role was very important in making Deub’s visit successful. Likewise, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjiv Singh Puri has also remained very much successful in developing positive diplomatic ties between the two countries.

KATHMANDU, Aug 28: NP Saud, leader of the ruling party Nepali Congress (NC), has said that his party will form election alliance with all the political parties except CPN-UML in the  Province 2 local level election.

Speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Monday, leader Saud added that NC has kept Rastirya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) as top priority for the upcoming local election slated for September 18. “Bimalendra Nidhi is handling this matter,” he added.

He also claimed that NC would emerge as the largest party in the third phase local polls. He added, “Terai-Madhes is the foundation of Nepali Congress. Our party is certain to win in many local units.”

Commenting on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Dueba’s India visit, Saud claimed that the prime minster had signed no deals that are against the national interest. He also said that Deuba’s raising the issue of constitution amendment in New Delhi was not a big deal.

BODH GAYA, Aug 27: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, who is on a five-day state visit to India, today visited Bodh Gaya in the State of Bihar, India.

Bodh Gaya is known as the place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. Prime Minister Deuba arrived here on Saturday.

The Nepali delegation led by PM Deuba will leave for New Delhi by a special chartered plane of Air India at 3:00 PM today.

After a special farewell at New Delhi, PM Deuba will return home today itself. RSS

RISHI DHAMALA, NEW DELHI, Aug 26: Indian leaders has argued that Prime Minister’s Sher Bahadur Deuba’s five-day state visit to India has been largely successful as it has further strengthened Indo-Nepal bilateral ties.

Talking to senior journalist Rishi Dhamala, Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh said that PM Deuba’s India visit has even boosted the ‘relationship of trust’ between two neighbors.

Singh further stated that India has always wanted that Nepal successfully conduct elections being exercised in order to institutionalize democracy in Nepal. He added “India is ever ready to extend any kind of support to Nepal in successfully accomplishing all three tiers of election.”

Senior leader of ruling party of India, Bharatiya Janata Party, Murali Mohan Joshi, said that PM Deuba’s visit has given a positive message about the bilateral relation between Nepal and India. He further assured that India will have a great support in building economically prosperous and stable Nepal. He furthered “India has taken the recent devastating floods that occurred in southern plains of Nepal,” adding, “India will help in providing a long-term solution to as such flood problems in Nepali side.”

Indian Transport Minister, Nitin Gadgadi, said that Nepal will always have India’s back in constructing roadways and railways in Nepal. He added, “It is our wish to link Kathmandu and Delhi through railway. Postal Highway project will also be completed in time.”

Leader of Congress I, Gulam Ali Nawaj said, “It is our wish that Nepal complete elections in time and build a solid foundation of democracy.” He further said that Indian government is positive towards solving the flood problems occurring at Nepali side due to barrages.”

Likewise, Head of Foreign department of Congress I, Karan Singh expressed his confidence that PM Deuba would lead Nepal to the path of political stability, development and prosperity. He further added that India has more expectation from PM Deuba than other prime ministers.

Leader of Nationalist Congress, DP Tripathi, said expressed that Nepal’s democracy will institutionalize in PM Deuba’s term as he is considered as one of the trustable leaders in Nepal.

General Secretary of Indian Communist Party Marxist, Sitaram Yechuri said that PM Deuba’s India visit has been fruitful and added his (PM Deuba’s) visit has brought Nepal and India even closer. He added that Nepal, being the closest neighbor, India should always focus on helping Nepal become developed and prosperous.

Janata Dal United’s Vice-General Secretary, KC Tyagi said that flooding was the common problem of Terai and Bihar and added that a joint mechanism would be formed to find permanent solutions to flooding problems.

NEW DELHI, Aug 25: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi have expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of India-Nepal relations that are deep, comprehensive and multi-faceted.

They also pledged to pursue new opportunities to further deepen bilateral relations for the benefit of the peoples of both countries, while committing to further reinvigorate the existing mechanisms.

In a joint statement issued on the occasion of the state visit of Prime Minister Deuba to India, the two Prime Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to work towards strengthening bilateral relations on the basis of mutual trust, goodwill, mutual benefit, with due regard to each other’s aspirations, sensitivities and interests.

The two Prime Ministers appreciated the regular exchange of high-level visits that have given a new momentum in taking the bilateral cooperation agenda forward and appreciated the regular meetings of sector specific bilateral mechanisms across diverse sectors of cooperation.

The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction on the progress made by the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations in their four meetings since its establishment in February 2015.

They hoped that the Group would submit its report within its mandated period, suggesting measures to further expand the close and multifaceted ties between the two countries, in accordance with its Terms of Reference, including any recommendations on review of past bilateral treaties, it is stated in the joint statement.

In the area of strengthening defense and security cooperation, the two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the ongoing defense cooperation and committed to further enhancing close cooperation between the Indian Army and the Nepal Army.

Prime Minister Deuba thanked the Government of India for continued assistance in training and capacity building of the security forces of Nepal.

The two Prime Ministers also expressed satisfaction at the excellent cooperation on security-related matters.

The two sides expressed commitment to ensure that the open border, a unique feature of India-Nepal bilateral relations that has facilitated unhindered movement of people on both sides of the border, is not misused by unscrupulous elements posing security threat to either side.

The two sides reiterated their commitment that their respective territories would not be allowed to be used for any activities inimical to the other.

Highlighting the need for partnership for sustainable development, the two leaders expressed satisfaction on the functioning of the ‘Oversight Mechanism’ established in 2016, and the progress made through the mechanism in resolving bottlenecks and speeding up implementation of ongoing projects under bilateral economic and development cooperation.

The Prime Minister of India reiterated India’s commitment to work with the Government of Nepal to expedite post-earthquake reconstruction projects in a time-bound manner. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the finalization of modalities for implementation as well as identification of projects in the four identified sectors for India’s reconstruction assistance.

It was agreed to identify at the earliest projects under the US$ 750 million Line of Credit for post-earthquake reconstruction.

They also noted with satisfaction utilization of the two Lines of Credit of US$ 100 million and US$ 250 million for development of roads and power infrastructure in Nepal.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the allocation of US$ 200 million for irrigation projects, and US$ 330 million for development of roads from LoC of US$ 550 million.

The two Prime Ministers urged a constructive pursuit of a forward-looking development agenda wherein each country could learn from and contribute to the social and economic initiatives of a transformative nature.

Towards this objective, it was agreed to initiate an annual policy dialogue between the NITI Aayog of India and the National Planning Commission of Nepal.

Enhancing cross-border connectivity through infrastructure development
Moreover, the two Prime Ministers shared the view that enhanced connectivity between India and Nepal would increase people-to-people contacts and promote economic growth. They reviewed the progress made in the implementation of bilateral connectivity projects.

Both sides recognized the need for early completion of two ongoing cross-border rail-link projects— Jayanagar-Bijalpur-Bardibas and Jogbani-Biratnagar rail-links.

The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction that the railway line from Jayanagar to Janakpur and from Jogbani to Biratnagar Custom Yard will be completed by 2018. The Nepali side committed to resolve all issues for expeditious completion of both the projects.

Similarly, the two Prime Ministers underlined the importance of rail links in India-Nepal connectivity as these links will usher in growth and development by way of enhanced trade and tourism links.

They also agreed on early completion of the Field Location Survey of remaining three cross-border rail links— New Jalpaiguri to Kakarbhitta, Nautanwa to Bhairahawa, and Nepalgunj Road to Nepalgunj.

They welcomed the award of work of Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Biratnagar and directed their respective officials to pursue its construction and operationalize ICP Birgunj by December 2017.

The two Prime Ministers underlined the need for early approval of Detailed Engineering Designs of ICPs at Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj.

The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction on the award of contract for twelve packages under nine roads, totalling about 240 kms, under the Terai Roads project.

The Nepali side assured to resolve expeditiously all encumbrances relating to land acquisition, forest clearances and removal of utility services for early completion of the project.
Nepal to consider Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline project as priority project

The Prime Minister of Nepal conveyed that Nepal considers the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline project a priority project.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the finalization of Detailed Engineering Route Survey and Engineering Design reports of the project. They directed the concerned officials to expeditiously remove all bottlenecks, including Right of Way, land acquisition, environmental and regulatory clearances, so that the construction work could begin at the earliest.

The Prime Ministers welcomed the decision to set up a Joint Working Group on cooperation in oil and gas sectors, which would consider advancing cooperation in areas such as construction of LPG pipeline from Motihari to Amlekhgunj, construction of Natural Gas pipeline from Gorakhpur to Sunwal and assistance of IOCL for preparing DPR for extension of Petroleum Products pipeline from Amlekhgunj to Chitwan in Nepal.

Cooperation in projects of national priority for Nepal 
In response to Nepali PM’s highlighting priority projects for Nepal’s growth and development, the Indian PM underlined that India stands ready to provide economic and development cooperation assistance.

The two sides reached in principle agreement for Indian grant assistance to support the establishment of Technical Institute in Far West of Nepal, and the GP Koirala National Centre for Respiratory Diseases in Tanahun.

In addition, the two Prime Ministers agreed that their governments would hold discussions to explore the feasibility of cooperation on mutually agreed basis on the projects as Kushinagar-Lumbini-Kapilavastu and Bardibas-Birgunj Railways, up gradation of Birgunj-Pathlaiya-Narayanghat and Butwal-Pokhara roads into express ways, international airport at Nijgadh, motorable bridges on the Mahakali River, Maitri Bridge at Birgunj-Raxaul border, development of dry port at Dodhara Chandani, developing a Special Economic Zone in Nepal, development of new 132 kV transmission lines, Butwal (Nepal)-Gorakhpur (India) cross-border transmission line and Lumki (Nepal)-Bareilly (India) cross-border transmission line.

Harnessing water resources and expanding energy cooperation
Both Nepal and India while noting the positive and productive discussion on the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project, directed the concerned officials to finalize its Detailed Project Report within a month.

PM Deuba reiterated the commitment of Nepal to address all pending issues on priority relating to 900 MW Arun-III and Upper Karnali hydropower projects, in accordance with the project development agreements.

The Indian side conveyed the finalization of Detailed Project Report for the construction of head regulator and link canal from Tanakpur Barrage to the Nepali side.

They agreed that the work on preparation of the Detailed Project Report for the Saptakoshi high dam and Sunkoshi storage cum diversion scheme be expedited.

The two sides also agreed to strengthen coordination and consultation on the pressing matter of inundation and flood management in the border areas. In this regard, it was agreed to take expeditious steps, including joint visits, to consider appropriate measures for sustainable solution.

Operationalization of all aspects of the PTA
It was agreed that both sides will continue to take measures to operationalize all aspects of the Power Trade Agreement signed in 2014.

The two Prime Ministers appreciated the efforts of both sides in preparing a Master Plan for the cross-border interconnection for the period until 2035.

PM Deuba expresses concern over growing trade deficit with India
The two Prime Ministers highlighted the importance of realizing the full potential of bilateral trade and investment. They welcomed the renewal of the India-Nepal Treaty of Trade and the Agreement of Cooperation between Government of India and Government of Nepal to Control Unauthorized Trade, in October 2016, for further period of seven years.

According to the joint press statement, PM Deuba expressed concern over Nepal’s growing trade deficit with India.

The two Prime Ministers underscored that there is a considerable potential to enhance the bilateral trade, which could be harnessed by addressing infrastructural deficiencies and trade restricting measures as well as by adopting trade facilitation measures for easier market access to agricultural and industrial products.

Both sides agreed to cooperate towards strengthening testing and certifying laboratories, establishing quarantine facilities and harmonising standards.

Both Prime Ministers also agreed on early conclusion of the Letters of Exchange for transit of bulk cargo to Nepal using multi-modal transport, movement of traffic in transit via Nepal and on amendment to Rail Services Agreement.

Both sides agreed to take steps for early upgradation and operationalization of the agreed trade points namely Dhangadhi-Gauriphanta, Guleria-Murthia, Jatahi-Pipraun and Pashupatinagar-Sukhiapokhri.

The two sides also agreed that issues relating to impact of introduction of Goods and Service Tax in India on bilateral and transit trade be examined expeditiously.

It was agreed that the next meeting of the Inter-Governmental Committee on trade, transit and control of unauthorized trade at the Secretary level will be held by end-2017, to discuss all trade and transit related issues with an objective to facilitate bilateral and transit trade.

The two Prime Ministers emphasized the need for channelizing more direct investments from India into Nepal.

The two Prime Ministers appreciated the contribution made by the B.P. Koirala India-Nepal Foundation in cementing people-to-people ties and acknowledged the immense goodwill that the activities of the Foundation have generated at people’s level on both sides.

The two Prime Ministers emphasized the advantages of cooperation at regional and sub-regional level, including BIMSTEC and SAARC.

The two Prime Ministers welcomed the successful launch of the South Asia Satellite as a unique example of regional cooperation in space sector, and an initiative that would touch the lives of people in the region through space technology applications in the areas of telecommunication and broadcasting, tele-medicine, tele-education, e-governance, banking and ATM services, meteorological data transmission, disaster response and networking of academic and research institutions.

Likewise, the two Prime Ministers acknowledged that India and Nepal have been working together in the United Nations and other international fora to advance cause of common interest. The Prime Minister of Nepal reiterated Nepal’s support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.

Similarly, the two Prime Ministers witnessed the exchange of eight documents on MoU on Modalities for Utilization of India’s Housing Grant Component to support Reconstruction of 50,000 Houses; MoU on Implementation of the Grant Component of India’s Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Package in the Education Sector in Nepal; MoU on Implementation of the Grant Component of India’s Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Package in Cultural Heritage Sector in Nepal; MoU on Implementation of the Grant Component of India’s Post-Earthquake Reconstruction Package in the Health Sector in Nepal; Cooperation Agreement between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) & Nepal Bureau of Standards & Metrology; MoU on Drug Demand Reduction and Prevention of Illicit Trafficking in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances and Precursor Chemical and Related Matters; MoU for construction of Mechi bridge and MoU between Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal. RSS 

NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has invited his counterpart Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to lay the foundation stone for the construction of Arun Third Hydro Project (900 MW), stated a joint press meet organized in the Indian capital today.

The contract for the construction of the project was awarded to Indian SJVN Construction Company, and the foundation stone laying ceremony is scheduled for September.

However, the contractor has complained that the process was delayed due to difficulty seen in the use of forest land for the project construction. But now the government has eased the process for utilizing the forest areas for the purpose.

Pancheshwar DPR to be finalized 

An understanding has been reached between the Prime Minister duo Deuba and Modi to finalize the Detail Project Report (DPR) of Pancheshwar Multi Project.

Pancheswar Project Authority Director General Mahendra Man Gurung has expressed his confidence that the process to finalize the DPR will be complete on time after the commitment of the Prime Ministers of both the countries. RSS

NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has assured that the government still wants amend the constitution to make it acceptable to all communities.

PM Deuba, speaking at the joint press meet organized at the Hyderabad House after the bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Mode, assured that the ruling coalition would present the bill again at the parliament so as to garner required two-third majority in its favor to incorporate the dissatisfied parties in the mainstream politics.

NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Nepal and India has signed eight Memorandum of understanding (MoUs) at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Thursday.

The exchanged MoUs include four understandings related post-quake reconstruction works in Nepal; and four others are related to construction of Mechi bridge, prevention of illegal trafficking of narcotic drugs, cooperation in the field of standardization and conformity assessment and Chartared Accountants.

The MoUs were exchanged by Nepali and Indian delegates in presence of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his Indian counterpart Modi.

MoUs signed between Nepal and India

MoU for Utilisation of housing grant component to support reconstruction of 50,000 houses

MoU on Implementation of reconstruction package in the education sector in Nepal

MoU on Implementation of reconstruction package in the cultural heritage sector in Nepal

MoU on Implementation of reconstruction package in the health sector in Nepal

Agreement on cooperation in the field of standardisation and conformity assessment

MoU for Implementation arrangement on cost sharing, schedules and safeguard issues for construction of Mechi bridge

MoU on Drug demand reduction and prevention of illicit trafficking in narcotic drugs, psychotropic substance and precursor chemical and related matters

MoU between the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal

NEW DELHI, Aug 24: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba who is on a five-day state visit to India has received guard of honor at the forecourt of the Rastrapati Bhawan in New Delhi on Thursday.

PM Deuba was received by his Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and was accorded a special ceremonial welcome.

Giving brief comment on the occasion, Prime Minister Deuba said the Nepal-India relations are bound to be special and historical. “Nepal India ties have been marked with importance due to open border and other special proximities”.

Prime Minister Deuba, at the invitation of Indian Prime Ministe Modi, had arrived here on Wednesday leading a Nepali delegation.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Commerce Minister Min Biswokarma, Ministerf or Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Jitendra Narayan Dev and other members of the delegation.

Earlier this morning, Prime Minister Deuba paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Mahatma Gandhi Samadhi in Rajghat.

Later in the day, Deuba will hold delegation-level talks with Modi. Following which, the two leaders will remote launch power transmission lines from India to Nepal.

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT YEKRAJ PATHAK, NEW DELHI, Aug 23: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has recently arrived in New Delhi on the five-day State visit to India.

PM Deuba arrived here with his spouse Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, leading the 48-member Nepali delegation at the cordial invitation of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Minister of External Affairs of India, Sushma Swaraj, warmly welcomed PM Deuba at the Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.

Senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs, Nepali Ambassador to India, Deep Kumar Upadhyay, and high level officials from Nepali Embassy were also together at the airport to welcome PM Deuba.

After the arrival, PM Deuba has headed to the Rastrapati Bhawan for a while.

PM Deuba is scheduled to hold interaction with Nepali community at Nepali Embassy in New Delhi at 3:00 pm and to attend the joint business event to be hosted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industries of India.

The PM’s main official engagements have been scheduled for tomorrow.

This State visit of PM Deuba is yet another significant event in keeping with the tradition of high level engagements between the senior leadership of the two countries.

The visit will be an important occasion to review the entire spectrum of Nepal-India bilateral relations at the highest level and provide political guidance so as to reinforce the momentum of positive developments in these relations. RSS