Sushil-led Government-25

 Indian Prime Minister Modi’s Visit To Nepal

Siddhi B Ranjitkar

The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been one of the greatest events in the history of Nepal-India relations. The visit was after 17 years of the previous visit of the then Indian prime minister. Judging from his speech delivered to the parliament, he was for taking the relations between Nepal and India to a new height. He spoke for the development of not only of Nepal and India but also of the SAARC countries. He also committed to one billion US dollar of credit to Nepal. And he was for making every effort possible on helping Nepal to develop its politics and economics. He appreciated the rebels that gave up the bullets for ballots. He said that the political development in Nepal could be the model for the warring people elsewhere in the world to choose ballots for bullets. So, he anticipated the current constituent assembly would craft a new inclusive constitution that would keep Nepal in one piece for hundreds of years, and lead Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal to prosperity. That was the only path to the development of Nepal, said Prime Minister Modi while speaking to the Nepalese parliament in Kathmandu on August 3, 2014.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi flew to Nepal in a special aircraft from New Delhi to Kathmandu on August 3, 2014. Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, deputy prime ministers, ministers, Speaker and other high-ranking Nepalese officials received the Indian dignitary at the international airport in Kathmandu.

Special arrangements were made at the Hyatt Hotel in Kathmandu for the Indian prime minister and other ministers and high officials accompanying him for staying there during the visit. One day before the visit of the Indian prime minister the Indian special aircraft flew bulletproof car for Indian Prime minister Modi in Kathmandu.

On the afternoon of August 3, 2014, Prime Minister Modi delivered a speech to the Nepalese parliament. He started off greetings in Nepali language, and he switched on to speak in Hindi. All Nepalese parliamentarians must have felt at ease to listen to Prime Minister Modi in Hindi than in English. His speech was aired live on the Nepalese national TVs.

Prime Minister Modi said that Nepal and India were so close but it took him 17 years to visit Nepal as a prime minister. Previous Indian prime ministers did not bother to visit Nepal. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was to visit Nepal but he did not. Former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited Nepal twice in 1950s, and then in early 1960s.

He also said that he was going to visit Nepal soon for the SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit. SAARC was the association of eight South Asian countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. They held a summit in rotation. The secretariat of SAARC was in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Prime Minister Modi said that the border should not be a barrier but a bridge. In fact, the border between Nepal and India was opened to the citizens of both the countries. They could walk in and out without any permit.

In the mid 1980s, the then Indian Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi closed 21 entry points on the border between India and Nepal leaving only one point opened following the international convention to teach one or two lessons to the then king of Nepal Birenda. However, Prime Minister Gandhi himself learned a good lesson from his closure of the entry points, as the business between Nepal and India had increased. So, it did not affect the lives of Nepalese.

Nepal was a sovereign nation. India respected the sovereignty of Nepal. India had no intention to interfere in the international affairs of the sovereign country: Nepal, Prime Minister Modi said.

Then, Prime Minister Modi went on saying how close religious relations between Nepal and India had been. He said that one of the temples in Benares had the Nepalese priests, and the Nepalese temple to Pashupati in Kathmandu had the Indian priests.

Maoist minister for culture in 2008 had attempted to replace the Indian priests at the Pashupati temple with the Nepalese priests but the then opposition members of the parliament belonging to the NC did not let him do so.

The Indian priests serving at Pashupati were highest paid officials in Nepal. The chief priest received US$ 3,000 per month while other priests received US$ 2,000 per month. In addition, the priests received 20% of the special offerings made to Lord Pashupati. The Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) made this provision for the priests after the priests refused to perform the special offerings. The cost of performing special offerings varied from US$ 100 to 1,000 depending on the size of offerings. The president of Nepal received US$ 1,500 per month while the lowest paid State employees received about US$ 100 per month.

Pashupati was another name of Lord Shiva. According to the mythical stories, Lord Shiva had his abode called Kailash in the Himalayas. Major parts of the Himalayas were in Nepal. Some of the Himalayas were in the Eastern and Western India. Indian Hindu scholar called Shankaracharya said that ‘Doleswor Mahadev’ also another name of Lord Shiva was in fact the head of Lord Shiva. ‘Doleswor Mahadev’ is in Nepal.

Prime Minister Modi said that Buddha was born in Nepal. He hinted at visiting the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and Janakpur the birthplace of Sita: one of the main characters of the epic called Mahabharat. Both the places were in the current Nepal. In fact, when Buddha was born, we did not have Nepal or India. Both the countries were of the recent origin despite the old historical and cultural heritages of Nepalese and Indian people.

Some Nepalis had been fussy about some people in India saying Buddha was born in India. They must have ignored even the first prime minister of Independent India Jawaharlal Nehru wrote Buddha was born in Nepal in his book called ‘Discovery of India.” He wrote the book when he was engaged in the free-India movement.

Prime Minister Modi said that India would increase the number of scholarships provide to the Nepalese youths for higher education in India. It would build the technical manpower Nepal needed to develop its economy.

Prime Minister Modi explained how Nepalese serving in the Indian army had been considered as the bravest soldiers. He quoted Indian Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw as saying, “if any soldier says he is not afraid of death, he must be either lying or he must be a Gurkha.” The saying indicated that Gurkhas were both sincere and brave, Prime Minister Modi hinted at.

After the Nepal-India peace treaty done at Sugauli in the 19^th century, the then British Indian government secured the rights to recruit Nepalese for the British Indian army. They made a special battalion of the Nepalese soldiers, and called it the Gurkha battalion. After the British left India in 1947, the Indian Gurkha army was split into the British Gurkha army, and the Indian Gurkha army.

When China invaded India in 1962, and India fought Pakistan in 1971, the Indian Gurkha army fought at both the fronts in the east and the west. When Argentine seized Falkland, the then British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher sent British Gurkhas to Falkland Island to repulse Argentine army. Gurkhas recaptured the island.

Prime Minister Modi said that Nepal and India were so closely knitted together; India could not sleep when Nepal had trouble. When the massive landslide blocked the Sunkoshi River in Nepal; India had to brace up for the possible floods in India. He was referring to the massive landslide that had blocked the Sunkoshi River on the morning of August 2, 2014.

On the early morning of Saturday, August 2, 2014, the massive landslide dammed the water on the Sunkoshi River and made three kilometers long and 100 m wide and 90 m deep dam posing threat to the people and infrastructure downstream.

Nepal alerted the people living in Southeastern Nepal, and Indian State Bihar also alerted the people to the possible floods. The outburst of the huge dam made by the landslide might cause unprecedented floods downstream. So, at the request of the government of Nepal, all gates of the dam on the Saptakoshi River were opened for smooth flow of water.

Prime Minister Modi said that he had three things for the development of Nepal. They were highways, Internet and transmission lime, in shot HIT. Nepal needed to develop highways in the large scale. Nepal needed to go digital, and Nepal should have power transmission lines so that Nepal could receive power from India for the immediate need, and when Nepal would produce sufficient power, Indian could enjoy power from Nepal through the transmission lines.

He also said that the Pancheshwar Development Authority had been set up. The more than six-thousands-megawatt-power plant could go on for construction. The power production in Nepal would light both Nepal and India, Prime Minister Modi said, India would buy the power at the market price.

Prime Minister Modi went on saying India would not be able to develop without developing Nepal and other neighbors. So, he took initiates to bring together the SAARC countries for development. He was for developing all South Asian countries to develop together.

He said that SAARC nations could benefit from the space technology. He was for launching a SAARC communication satellite to reduce the telephone cost. Calling from Nepal to India and vice versa was so high, they simply said, “Namaste means hello, and then hang up the phone.”

He repeatedly said that he appreciated the rebels leaving bullets for ballots, and setting up Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. He also said he had an expectation that the current constituent assembly would craft a new inclusive constitution that would be good for the coming 100 years. He said that India had a constitution that put together 1.25 billion people from Kashmir in the west to Assam in the east, and from Sikkim in the north to Kanyakumari in the south. Nepal should have a new constitution that would put all people together.

Prime Minister Modi said: a new constitution should be of inclusive of all people from the Himalayas to Terai. A comma or a full stop should not be a bone of contention after 100 years. The members of the constituent assembly should have the hearts of saints while crafting a new constitution. A constitution would be for all Nepali whether they were rich or poor. A new constitution should ensure their rights to live as citizens, Prime minister Modi said. A constitution should bind people not divide; a constitution should be the betterment of all citizens, Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi said that India would help Nepal in making the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal a path to development and prosperity of the Nepalese people. He also said that Nepal would be a model to the people elsewhere in the world to follow the way Nepal had developed to institutionalize the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. He called on the members of the constituent assembly to craft a constitution that would be the standing example for the people elsewhere in the world to follow.

In his speech to the Nepalese parliament on August 3, 2014, Prime Minister Modi demonstrated that he was the world-class statement. He would lead not only India but also the entire South Asia to prosperity.

However, he had been taking time to open India to the world for investment and development. He knew that India could not remain isolated without opening the door to the world.

The businesspeople had anticipated that Modi would quickly take actions on liberalizing the India economy. So, when Modi was sure to win the Indian elections, the dollar value went down by two Indian currencies but the dollar value went up again after Modi was sworn in. It has been already two months since Modi became the prime minister of India; the dollar remained around 60 Indian currencies to a dollar.

Prime Minister Modi had the background of making his State Gujarat prosperous. He opened the Gujarat State to the investors. The famous Indian TATA Company moved its auto industry from the West Bengal to Gujarat. The company had found West Bengal very difficult place to run the business. Prime Minister Modi made Gujarat conducive to investment when he was a chief minister there.

CPN-Maoist had called a protest against Nepal signing off the power deal with India but quickly withdrew the protest program when the government of Nepal postponed it. Similarly, UCPN-Maoist had opposed the power development agreement (PDA) India had proposed. The party said that only the power trade agreement (PTA) should be reached with India.

“The draft of the PTA we have prepared focuses on trading in power between the two countries and cross-border grid connection to facilitate import as well as export of electricity,” Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat told ‘The Himalayan Times’. “It does not include provisions for Indian investment in hydroelectricity generation and harnessing the country’s hydropower potential with Indian support.” The latest move separating the power generation from the power trading expected to calm down those parties bitterly opposing the provision for power generation in the draft agreement on Nepal-India cooperation in the power sector, hinting at giving the sole authority to the Indian government or companies to build hydroelectric projects in Nepal. (Source: Thehimalayantimes.com, July 31, 2014)

The US government also was preparing for receiving Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the US. While talking about the relations between the US and India at the Center for American Progress: a think tank on Monday, July 28, 2014 in Washington, US Secretary of State John Kerry quoted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's poll mantra "Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” means "Together with all, development for all". "We believe it's a great vision, and our private sector is eager to be a catalyst in India's economic revitalization," he said. (Source: BBC NEWS “John Kerry on mission to woo Indian PM Modi”)

Kathmandu, August 1, 2014: talking to a private Nepalese TV channel, Kamal Thapa Chairman of the RPP-Nepal: a pro-Hindu political party in Nepal said that his party would not seek Prime Minister Narendra Modi's help in restoring the country to the world's only Hindu state. "We don't want leaders of other country to get involved in our internal matter," he told a private television channel during an interview. "We will raise the matter within our own country." The RPP-Nepal has focused its campaign on making Nepal a Hindu state once again after it was declared a secular republic in 2008. (Source: Economictimes.indiatimes.com, August 1, 2014)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had been the guardian of a Nepali boy looking after his education and well being for over a decade. Jeet Bahadur was a poor Nepali boy. Modi met him by chance in 1998 and decided to look after him for pursuing a BBA degree in Ahmedabad. Jeet came to Gujarat by chance after boarding a wrong train from Delhi in 1998. Instead of boarding a train to Gorakhpur, Jeet boarded one going to Ahmedabad. There he met a woman that took him to meet Modi. Then, Modi had not been a chief minister, yet. Jeet was born in a poor family in Lokaha village in Nawalparasi district of Nepal. (Source: indiatoday.intoday.in, July 31, 2014)

http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/modi-godson-jeet-bahadur-from-nepal/1/374999.html

The visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the family members of his Nepali foster son Jeet Bahadur Magar. He met with Magar's family members including his mother, older brother and sister at Hyatt Hotel. The Indian PM also posed for a group photo with the Magar's family. (Source: Nepalnews.com)

Addenda

Mofa.gov.np

Joint Press Statement on the Official Visit of the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, to Nepal (August 3-4, 2014)

August 4, 2014

Joint Press Statement on the Official Visit of the Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, to Nepal (August 3-4, 2014)

1. The Prime Minister of India, His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi paid an official visit to Nepal from August 3-4, 2014 at the invitation of the Prime Minister of Nepal, Rt. Hon'ble Mr. Sushil Koirala. The Prime Minister of India was accompanied by Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor (NSA), Ms. Sujatha Singh, Foreign Secretary and a delegation comprising senior officials of the Government of India and media.  The Prime Minister of India was received at the airport by the Prime Minister of Nepal and was extended a ceremonial welcome.

2. The Prime Minister of India called on the Rt. Hon'ble President of Nepal, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. The Rt. Hon'ble President hosted a luncheon in honor of the Prime Minister of India.

3. The Prime Minister of India addressed the Constituent Assembly and Legislature Parliament of Nepal and prior to the address, had a meeting with the Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Rt. Hon'ble Subhas Chandra Nembang.

4. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon’ble Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Leader of the Main Opposition Party in the Legislature Parliament, Hon'ble Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML), Hon'ble KP Sharma Oli, Hon'ble Mr. Sher Bahadur Deuba, Former Prime Minister of Nepal, Hon'ble Mr. Ram Chandra Poudel, Vice President of Nepali Congress, other political leaders including those from the Nepali Congress and Madheshi parties and leaders of the Nepalese business community called on the Prime Minister of India.

5. The Prime Minister of India had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Nepal followed by delegation level talks. These talks were held in an atmosphere of utmost warmth and cordiality and were marked by deep friendship and understanding which characterize the close relations between the two countries. The Prime Minister of Nepal hosted a banquet in honor of the Prime Minister of India.

6. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of Nepal-India relations that encompass a broad spectrum of political, economic, social and cultural ties that are deep-rooted at both government and peoples' levels.  The two Prime Ministers also underlined the need to further explore ways to enhance sub-regional cooperation particularly in the areas of trade, transit, connectivity and hydropower. They underlined that the high level visits are vital for greater momentum to the close and cordial ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister of Nepal appreciated the enhanced focus and priority given by the new Government of India on relations with neighboring countries, as manifested in, among others, the invitation to the SAARC leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Prime Minister on May 26. This provided a unique opportunity for meaningful dialogue at the political level as well as for advancing regional cooperation under the framework of SAARC.

7. The Prime Minister of Nepal stated that Nepal has focused its attention on drafting a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly, which will lead the country to greater stability and prosperity. He shared Nepal's vision of graduating from the status of least developed country by 2022.  The Prime Minister of India conveyed best wishes of the Government and people of India to the Nepalese leadership and people for their resolve and commitment to promulgate the new constitution early next year.

8. Both Prime Ministers recalled with pleasure the democratic elections held in both countries in the past one year with record participation of people and expressed satisfaction over these successes that reflect people's trust in democratic values and practices. They underlined the indispensability of democratic institutions for peace, stability and development. They also underlined that the Governments on both sides command strong mandate of their respective peoples providing historic opportunities to advance bilateral relations to a new height in practical and pragmatic manner to generate tangible benefits for the peoples of both countries.

9. The two Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the reactivation of Nepal India Joint Commission at the level of the Foreign Ministers and welcomed the outcomes of the third meeting held in Kathmandu from July 25-26, 2014.

10. The Prime Ministers directed that all bilateral institutional mechanisms be convened regularly and their decisions be implemented expeditiously.

11. The two Prime Ministers agreed to review, adjust, and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements. They welcomed the decision of the Joint Commission to direct the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries to meet and discuss specific proposal to revise the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950, which the Government of Nepal agreed to provide at the earliest. Both sides agreed that the revised Treaty should better reflect the current realities and aim to further consolidate and expand the multifaceted and deep rooted relationships in a forward looking manner.

12. The two Prime Ministers also underlined the need to resolve pending Nepal-India boundary issues once and for all. They welcomed the formation of the Boundary Working Group (BWG) to undertake the construction, restoration and repair of boundary pillars including clearance of 'Noman's land' and other technical tasks. They also welcomed the Joint Commission's decision to direct the Foreign Secretaries to work on the outstanding boundary issues, including Kalapani and Susta receiving required technical inputs from the BWG as necessary.  The Indian side stressed on early signing of the agreed and initialed strip maps of about 98% of the boundary. The Nepalese side expressed its desire to resolve all outstanding boundary issues.

13. The two Prime Ministers welcomed the decision to establish an Eminent Persons Group on Nepal-India Relations (EPG-NIR) to look into the totality of Nepal-India relations from independent, non-governmental perspectives and suggest measures to further expand and consolidate the close and multifaceted relations between the two countries. They directed to expedite the formation of the EPG-NIR as per the agreed terms of reference.

14. Both Prime Ministers noted with satisfaction the excellent cooperation on security related matters and directed the competent authorities on both sides to make sure that the open border, which has facilitated movements of people on both sides of the border and has been a unique feature of Nepal-India bilateral relations, is not misused by unscrupulous elements posing security threats to either side. It was assured that Nepal and India will not allow their territory to be used against each other.  The two Prime Ministers directed the concerned officials to expedite the signing of MoU on Police Academy.  Both sides agreed to finalize the texts of Extradition Treaty and MLAT at an early date.

15. The Government of India announced a soft credit line of US$ 1 billion for the execution of infrastructure development and energy projects as identified and prioritized by the Government of Nepal.

16.   The Prime Minister of India also visited Pashupatinath Temple and gifted 2500 kgs. of sandalwood to the Pashupatinath Temple Authority. The Government of India also informed that the construction of Pashupatinath Temple Dharamshala will be commenced soon through GoI grant assistance.  The Government of India offered to assist in the conservation and restoration of old monuments in the Pashupatinath Complex as well as in providing sanitation and hygiene facility in the Pashupatinath Complex.

17.    The Government of India also offered assistance for development of Janakpur, Baraha Chhetra and Lumbini, including linking Lumbini with the Buddhist circuit of India, based on specific proposals from Government of Nepal.

18.   The Government of India announced enhancement of ITEC and Colombo Plan slots from 180 to 250 for Nepalese students and experts to study in various Indian institutions.  The Government of India also offered short courses cum exposure visits for the Nepalese undergraduate students in the leading universities of India namely Banaras, Kolkata and Delhi University under Nepal-Bharat Maitri Shiksha Karyakram.

19. The two Prime Ministers witnessed the signing of the Exchange of Letters regarding Terms of Reference of the Pancheshwar Development Authority. They agreed that the two Governments would set up the Authority within 6 months and finalize the DPR of Pancheshwar Development Project and begin implementation of the Project within one year.  The two sides also signed MoUs on Cooperation in the Goitre Control, and on Cooperation between Doordarshan and the Nepal Television.

20. The two Prime Ministers directed the concerned authorities to conclude negotiations within 45 days on the Project Development Agreement (PDA) between the Investment Board of Nepal and GMR Group of India for the development of Upper Karnali hydropower project. They also directed the concerned authorities to conclude negotiations on the agreement on trade in power sector within 45 days. They expressed desire for early conclusion of other three PDAs namely Arun III, Upper Marsyangdi and Tamakoshi III. They emphasized that development of projects of this size will be a major catalyst for the development of Nepal’s enormous hydropower potential.

21. At the request of the Nepalese side, the Indian side assured to assist the construction of a multilane motorable bridge over Mahakali River at Mahendranagar, which will allow traffic along the East West Highway to cross over the Mahakali River and establish a vital trade and transit linkage of far western region of Nepal with Indian cities of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Uttarakhand. The Indian side also conveyed to consider construction of motorable bridges at the border points at Jhulaghat and Darchula.

22. The Government of Nepal requested for assistance to complete the eastern sector of Mid Hill Highway, namely (Chiwabhanjyang-Ganeshchowk, 61 km, Jorsal-Tamor-Sankranti, 35 km, Sankranti-Myanglung, 68 km, Bhojpur-Diktel, 88 km, Haleshi-Hilepani 40 km, Ghurmi-Khurkot, 60 km).  The Government of India agreed to consider the request positively.

23. The Two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the ongoing defense cooperation. In this context, the Nepalese side requested the Prime Minister of India for waiver of the dues outstanding as on date owned by the Government of Nepal to the Government of India on account of defense purchases.

24. The Prime Ministers expressed concern over the slow pace of implementation of several projects under bilateral economic cooperation and directed competent officials to implement ongoing as well as the future projects expeditiously.

25. The Two Prime Ministers directed the competent authorities to expedite the construction of Postal roads and feeder roads (Terai roads) and complete the phase I expeditiously. They also directed to commence phase II within a year. The Indian side agreed to consider the Government of Nepal's request to implement the phase II projects by the Nepalese side with the Government of India's financial assistance.

26. The two Prime Ministers directed to work for the finalization and signing of the revised Rail Service Agreement, Motor Vehicle Agreement, Letter of Exchanges on Trade and Transit and ratification of BIPPA.

27.  The two Prime Ministers also directed competent officials to expedite construction of cross border railway at all five agreed border points and the four Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) which will facilitate cross border trade and transit as well as Nepal's export to and import from third countries.

28. The Nepalese side requested and the Indian side agreed to take up the project for the construction of Raxaul-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline in the first phase and extend it to Kathmandu in the next phase to facilitate the transport of petroleum products.

29. The Nepalese side highlighted the trade deficit it is facing vis a vis its trade with India and suggested measures to address this deficit through increased Indian FDI, relaxation of non-tariff measures including SPS standards for agro products, support in product development, relaxation of Rules of Origin requirement for duty free access of Nepalese products, and mutual recognition of standards, conformity assessment and accreditation.  The Nepalese side stressed that the countervailing duty (CVD) being levied by the Indian authorities on Nepalese exports including readymade garments, copper, brass utensils, Kattha and other products have had negative impacts on key Nepalese exports to India and requested the Indian side to remove it. The Nepalese side also requested to remove Quantitative Restrictions (QRs) on the four Nepalese export products namely Vegetable fats, copper products, Acrylic Yarn and Zinc Oxide.  The Indian side assured to consider the requests by the Nepalese side.  The Indian side also reiterated that problem of trade deficit could be best bridged by development of hydropower in Nepal and export of surplus power to India.

30.  Recognizing the vital importance of transit rights of Nepal, the two Prime Ministers agreed to take further measures in the spirit of the Treaty of Transit, to simplify transit procedures and facilitate expeditious movement of traffic in transit. They directed to finalize and implement transshipment modalities at the earliest.

31. The Nepalese side requested India to allow three additional air entry points at Janakpur, Bhairahawa and Nepalgunj, and cross border direct routes to facilitate direct flights between regional airports Pokhara-Bhirahawa-Lucknow as this would save time and cost for air travelers and also improve air connectivity between India and Nepal.  The two Prime Ministers directed the concerned authorities to meet within 6 months and resolve this issue and similar issues pertaining to the Air Services Agreement.

32. The two Prime Ministers directed the competent authorities to expedite the work related to the development of cross border transmission lines as agreed in the Joint Commission.

33. At the request of the Nepalese side, the Government of India agreed to consider undertaking the rehabilitation of Koshi Pump Canal and Koshi Western Canal System and rehabilitation of West Gandak Canal System with a Lift System to irrigate additional Nepalese land. The Nepalese side will communicate the details of the projects.

34. The Prime Minister of India expressed condolences for the human suffering and loss of lives and properties caused by the massive landslide at Sindhupalchowk district in Nepal this week. Both sides agreed to strengthen coordination and consultation to deal with the problem of floods and inundation. 

35. The Prime Minister of India extended invitation to Prime Minister of Nepal to pay an official visit to India at an early mutually convenient date.  The Prime Minister of Nepal accepted the invitation.  The date will be finalized and communicated through diplomatic channel.

Kathmandu,

August 4, 2014

http://www.mofa.gov.np/en/news/detail/618#sthash.JKORGFj4.dpuf

Press Release

August 4, 2014

The Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, left Kathmandu for New Delhi this afternoon, after completing his two-day official visit to Nepal. The rt. Hon. Prime Minister, Mr. Sushil Koirala, bid him warm farewell at the VVIP Lounge at Tribhuvan International Airport. Hon. Modi had arrived in Kathmandu yesterday (3 August) morning.

A Joint Press Statement was issued before the departure of the Prime Minister of India. The Statement covers a wide range of the areas of cooperation between Nepal and India.

While in Kathmandu, the Hon. Prime Minister of India called on the Rt. Hon. President, and met and held delegation-level talks with the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister. Hon. Foreign Minister of Nepal called on the Hon. Prime Minister of India. Leaders of Nepal's political parties and business community also called on the Prime Minister of India.

The Prime Minister of India also addressed Nepal's Parliament on 3rd August.

Nepal's President and Prime Minister hosted a Luncheon and Dinner, respectively, in honor of the visiting Prime Minister.

Hon. Shri Modi also visited Pashupatinath Temple this morning and offered special pooja there. He also gifted 2,500 Kg. of Sandalwood to Pashupatinath Temple Authority.

Rt. Hon. Chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Mr. Subas Chandra Nembang, was also present on the occasion. Similarly, Deputy Prime Ministers, Hon. Bamdev Gautam and Hon. Prakash Man Singh; Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey; Hon. Minister for Information and Communications, Dr. Minendra Rijal; Hon. Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Mr. Bhim Prasad Acharya; and Chief Secretary, Mr. Leelamani Paudyal were also present at the Airport to see off the visiting Prime Minister.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kathmandu

4 August 2014.

http://www.mofa.gov.np/en/news/detail/619#sthash.VpehiF7w.dpuf

Press Release on the Signing Ceremony of MOUs and Exchange of Letters between the Government of Nepal and the Government of India

August 3, 2014

In the presence of Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Sushil Koirala, and the Honorable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, Nepal and India have signed three documents this afternoon at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singh Durbar. The documents are as follows:

1. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Nepal and the Government of the Republic of India regarding Indian Grant Assistance for the Goitre and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Program in Nepal.

Under this MoU, the Government of India will provide NPR 69 million for the control of goiter and other iodine deficiency disorders in Nepal in 2014-15. The amount will be used for subsidies on packing and transportation of iodized granulated salt to 22 remote and inaccessible districts of Nepal as well as for advocacy of iodized salt. The Government of India has been extending cooperation to Nepal in this area since 1973.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Narayan Gopal Malego, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies, Government of Nepal; and H. E. Mr. Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Nepal, on behalf of their respective Governments.

2. Memorandum on Cooperation between Nepal Television Corporation and Doordarshan.

Under this MoU, Nepal Television Corporation and Doordarshan have agreed to exchange cooperation through the exchange of TV programs on culture, education, science and agriculture, entertainment, sports, news and current affairs. The two sides will also make efforts to promote co-production of the programs, and promote training for their staff.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Laxman Humagain, General Manager, Nepal Television Corporation, and Ms. Vijayalaxmi Chhabra, Director General, Doordarshan, on behalf of their respective organizations.

3. The two sides have also exchanged notes on the Terms of Reference of Pancheshwor Development Authority. The Terms of Reference were prepared by the Joint Committee on Water Resources during its fifth meeting held in November 2009.

The notes were exchanged between Mr. Rajendra Kishore Kshetri, Secretary, Ministry of Energy, Government of Nepal; and H. E. Mr. Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Nepal, on behalf of their respective Governments.

It is hoped that the MoUs and exchange of notes would contribute to strengthening of cooperation between Nepal and India in their respective fields.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kathmandu, Nepal.

3 August 2014.

 http://www.mofa.gov.np/en/news/detail/613#sthash.rwRiX3ap.dpuf

Press Release on Address by Honorable Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India to Legislature-Parliament of Nepal

August 3, 2014

His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, addressed the Legislature-Parliament of Nepal at a special function organized in the Central Hall of the International Convention Center, Naya Baneshwar this afternoon. In his address, Prime Minister Shri Modi expressed his immense pleasure and honor to address the Legislature-Parliament of Nepal as the first foreign Head of the Government. Recalling his visit to Nepal long time ago as a pilgrim, he expressed his happiness to come back as Prime Minister of a friendly neighbor. Thanking the Government and people of Nepal for extending invitation to visit Nepal, Prime Minister Shri Modi stated that the Government of India has attached great importance to its relations with Nepal. He also conveyed the good wishes and friendliness of the people of India to the people of Nepal.

Prime Minister Shri Modi spoke highly of Nepal's peace process that brought to an end the armed conflict through the wisdom and vision of all political parties. In this context, he expressed his confidence that the Constituent Assembly of Nepal would successfully complete the constitution making process, paving the way for a speedy socioeconomic transformation of the country. He also hoped that Nepal's peace process would set an example for the rest of the world that peace and stability are possible through peaceful means.

He also hoped that the new constitution of Nepal will be inclusive and forward-looking so that all Nepalese people can feel their ownership to it. He expressed the commitment of the Government of India of its continued support and goodwill to Nepal and stated that India always wishes to see a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal.

Speaking about the bilateral relations, the Indian Prime Minister stated that Nepal India relations, which are marked by shared cultural values and civilization bonds, are based on mutual respect, equality and good neighborliness. He also highlighted the importance of developing Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha – and Pashupatinath – a holy place for pilgrimage – as vibrant tourism destinations, which could contribute to the economic prosperity of Nepal.

He called upon the Government and people of Nepal to develop the products with comparative advantages, such as herbal products, organic farming and adventure tourism, and stated that India stands ready to extend cooperation to Nepal in these sectors. He also stressed the importance of developing connectivity as well as transmission lines across the border for the potentials of bilateral cooperation to fully realize. He hoped that the Mahakali Bridge will bring the people of the two sides further closer.

The Prime Minister also spoke about harnessing the vast hydropower potentials of Nepal for mutual benefit, and in this context, expressed his commitment to expedite the Pancheshwar Project at the earliest.

He also called for an enhanced level of engagements within the SAARC framework and mentioned about the launching of a SAARC satellite by India for the use by the entire region in health, education and other sectors.

Following the address, the Legislature-Parliament approved a motion to offer a vote of thanks to the Prime Minister of India.

Prior to that, Rt. Hon. Subas Chandra Nembang, Chairman of the Constituent Assembly and the Speaker of the Legislature-Parliament, paid a courtesy call on His Excellency the Prime Minister of India, at the Secretariat of the Constituent Assembly. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed various matters of mutual interests.

Rt. Hon. Mr. Nembang stated that, since the election to the Constituent Assembly held in November last year, important progress has been made towards the finalization of Nepal’s new constitution as well as in concluding the ongoing peace process. He thanked the Indian Prime Minister for the goodwill and support the Government and the people of India extended to Nepal in this democratic exercise. He also mentioned that the address by Prime Minister Shri Modi to the Legislature Parliament of Nepal would be historic. In reply, the Indian Prime Minister, stating that India always wishes to see a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal, expressed the commitment of the Government of India to continue bilateral cooperation and expanding the partnership for mutual benefit.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed the importance of the parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people contacts in widening and deepening the multidimensional relations and cooperation between the two countries. The two leaders shared the view that the overall democratic system would be strengthened through the exchange of experiences, thoughts and values between the two Parliaments, and expressed their confidence that the Parliamentary Friendship Group comprising the parliamentarians of both the countries would soon be revitalized in that direction.

The Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Mr. Sushil Koirala is hosting a banquet in honor of the visiting Indian Prime Minister this evening.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kathmandu

3 August 2014.

http://www.mofa.gov.np/en/news/detail/617#sthash.zwzD1IiB.dpuf

Press Release on the Bilateral Meeting between Rt. Honorable Sushil Koirala, Prime Minister of Nepal and Honorable Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India

August 3, 2014

The visiting Prime Minister of India, Hon. Shri Narendra Modi, met with the Rt. Hon. Sushil Koirala, Prime Minister of Nepal, at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singhdurbar, Kathmandu, this afternoon. Rt. Honorable Prime Minister of Nepal warmly welcomed the Honorable Prime Minister of India and expressed hope that this visit taking place after 17 years would greatly contribute to the strengthening and promoting of bilateral relations and cooperation. The Honorable Prime Minister of India expressed his thanks to Nepal's Prime Minister for his invitation, which provided him with an opportunity to visit Nepal in less than 100 days of his taking over as the Prime Minister of India.

The two Prime Ministers exchanged views on political developments in their respective countries. Prime Minister Koirala mentioned the ongoing peace process in Nepal and stated that drafting of new constitution was the Government's topmost priority. He added that Nepal would be an inclusive society as a federal democratic republic. He thanked the Government of India for its support to Nepal's peace process. He also informed Nepal's plan to graduate from LDC status by 2022 and expected India's cooperation in this endeavor. The Prime Minister of India expressed his willingness to extend all possible support to Nepal's peace process and its development endeavors. 

Following the meeting, the two Prime Ministers held delegation-level talks in which the two sides reviewed the overall state of bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and India. They expressed satisfaction at the reactivation of Nepal-India Joint Commission with its 3^rd meeting in Kathmandu recently, and directed their respective authorities to take up the implementation of the decisions taken during the Joint Commission meeting.

The two delegations discussed a wide range of issues between the two sides, including political cooperation, trade and transit, development cooperation, water resources, earlier treaties and agreements including the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, mutual security, and boundary issues. The two Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction at the state of bilateral relations and committed to work together to take relations and cooperation to a new height. They also directed the authorities concerned of both countries to expedite the ongoing projects for their timely completion, and explore new areas of cooperation, which could be taken up for mutual benefit. The Prime Minister of India stated that India stands ready to resolve boundary issues, take measures to narrow Nepal's trade deficit, and accommodate Nepal's concerns with regard to the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950. He urged Nepal to capitalize the huge opportunities available in India as a huge market for the Nepalese products.

The two Prime Ministers underscored the importance of building trust between the two countries and move forward with a new vision and resolve. They also emphasized on enhancing interactions between the youth population of the two countries.

The Government of India announced a soft credit line of US $ 1 billion to be used in infrastructure development and energy projects as identified by the Government of Nepal and to increase the number of scholarship to Nepalese students.

During the meetings, Hon. Minister for Finance Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, Hon. Minister for Information and Communications Dr Minendra Rijal, Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, Chief Secretary Mr. Leelamani Paudyal, Acting Foreign Secretary Mr. Shanker Das Bairagi and other senior officers of the Government of Nepal were also present. From the Indian side, National Security Advisor Mr. Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Smt. Sujatha Singh, Ambassador of India to Nepal Mr. Ranjit Rae and other high-ranking officials of the Government of India were present.

In the presence of the two Prime Ministers, a signing ceremony was held to conclude two MoUs (on Goitre control in Nepal and cooperation between NTV and Doordarshan), and exchange letters of the ToR for Pancheshwor Development Authority.

The two Prime Ministers affixed the first cancellation mark on the commemorative cover issued by the Nepal Philatelic Bureau marking the visit of the Honorable Prime Minister of India.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kathmandu, Nepal.

3 August 2014.

 http://www.mofa.gov.np/en/news/detail/614#sthash.9PvSOknf.dpuf

Press Release on Call on Honourable Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minsiter of India by Honourable Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal

August 3, 2014

The Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, paid a courtesy call on the Hon. Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, of India at Hyatt Hotel in Kathmandu this afternoon. During the meeting, Hon. Mr. Pandey extended warm welcome to Prime Minister Shri Modi, and briefly touched upon the warm, cordial and cooperative relationship between Nepal and India. He also highlighted the progress made during the visit to Nepal by India’s Minister of External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj, on 25-27 July this year, and the meeting of the Joint Commission. He briefly mentioned the important areas of interest and cooperation between the two sides. He also gave a brief account of the program prepared for the Hon. Prime Minister of India.

The Hon. Prime Minister of India expressed happiness over the opportunity to visit Nepal soon after taking over as India’s Prime Minister. He stated that he was very much impressed by the very warm welcome upon his arrival. He expressed his commitment to extend all possible support for Nepal’s socio-economic development and further consolidate exchanges and interactions between the two peoples. The Prime Minister stressed on the need to implement decisions rather than holding meetings.

The two sides also shared views on democratic experiences and exercises in their respective country.

At the beginning, the Hon. Prime Minister of India expressed his condolences at the natural disaster caused by the landslide over the Bhotekoshi River in Nepal; and the Hon. Minister for Foreign Affairs expressed condolences over the loss of lives and properties by the landslide in Pune, India.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Kathmandu

3 August 2014.

http://www.mofa.gov.np/en/news/detail/616#sthash.Ww9y8GrN.dpuf

Email notice:

Tej Kumar Karki

LOOKS LIKE A GOOD WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY IS ON THE HORIZON FOR NEPAL

Dear all,

Never in the past and probably never in the future, Nepal will have this chance to work with Indian Prime Minister deeply connected to Nepal in so many ways with Nepal--religiously, spiritually, emotionally and Nepali-family-connection-wise.

Never in the past and future, Nepal will have so easy to get things done from India (than say from other like Manmohan Singh who had no deep connection).

If Nepal misses this opportunity, then Nepal MAY HAVE TO WAIT FOR CENTURIES to get such opportunity again.

This is not a time to rest and bask with what Modi said, but to do homework day and night to settle our policy related to PTA, PDA, Highways, Railways, IT, Tourism infrastructure, Herbal and Organic farming and forge beneficial agreements with India-Nepal's future lies on this.

A Special Technical Committees should be formed for resolving each of the areas and that will focus like laser beam to settle all the issues within this year-hit the iron before it cools.

The opportunity would not stay and wait for us forever!

THE REAL CHALLENGE

Is current government efficient and committed to make focused-committee for working day and night?

Is this government committed and capable to do this? Can we trust this government?

If the government and the parliament is not serious, Will the Civil society and social activists keep pressing the government to focus on these agendas?

Are there such serious social activists in Nepal?

Dear members of this list serve group living in Nepal

Do you know any such social activist groups?

Can you pursue or motivate them to pressure government to focus on settling these agendas?

Will this government take advantage of this great window of opportunity?

Will this government do nothing and waste this golden opportunity?

Will political parties keep fighting, never agree, for this reason or that (use the argument as bargaining chip for self interest), and keep the nation hostage of indecision?

How can we make sure that this government takes full advantage of this opportunity? Can this List serve or forum do anything in this regard? Or just write.

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced launching a satellite to digitize SAARC countries. What a great idea! This effort will bring huge socio-economic changes in South Asia. He also talked of organic farming, another great idea. An Organic Farmer directly deals with the consumers through digital exchanges here in the US and other developed countries also in the world. In Nepalese context Mahabir Pun stands an example. How is Mahabir Pun working nowadays everybody knows that.

PM Modi has nearly a dozen of such social media accounts. As the thousands of other people, The Himalayan Voice also does post onto PM Modi's wall everyday. PM Modi   keeps checking and updating his accounts. That is how government or leaders should keep in touch with the people. Nepalese leaders may learn lot from Mr. Modi. 

Finally, we have no idea whether PM Sushil Koirala has any social media accounts, which he himself operates? Does Sher Bahadur Deuba have a Facebook or Twitter account that is operated by himself?

August 4, 2014