Prime Minister Narendra Modi meeting Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda today: Here’s what to expect

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to hold a meeting with Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, commonly known as 'Prachanda', on June 1 at Hyderabad House. This engagement comes as part of Prachanda's official four-day visit to India, aimed at bolstering the longstanding and friendly relationship between the two nations.

Boosting cooperation in areas of energy, connectivity, and trade will be the central focus of discussions between Indian PM Modi and Prachanda during his four-day visit to India. Prachanda's visit marks his first bilateral trip abroad since assuming office in December 2022.

The leaders expressed their mutual desire to expand the overall ties between India and Nepal, with several agreements expected to be finalised following their talks. The discussions will cover a wide range of matters, including trade, transit, connectivity and border issues, according to PTI.

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Nepal holds strategic importance for India in the region, and both countries share deep-rooted historical and cultural ties. Transforming and deepening cooperation in connectivity, economy, energy, and infrastructure are key priorities for enhancing the bilateral relationship.

The power sector cooperation between India and Nepal will be a significant area of focus, building upon the India-Nepal joint vision statement on power sector cooperation from April last year. Nepal has been exporting over 450 MW of electricity to India, highlighting the progress made in this sector.

The leaders will also review the India-Nepal development partnership, which plays a vital role in shaping bilateral relations. Strengthening financial connectivity between the two countries will also be discussed, building on the successful launch of the RuPay card in Nepal during the visit of the then Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to India in April 2022.

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Prime Minister Prachanda's visit is expected to impart renewed momentum to the close and unique India-Nepal relationship. The discussions and agreements reached during the visit will further deepen ties and strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

Nepal shares a substantial border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states, relying heavily on India for the transportation of goods and services. As a land-locked nation, Nepal's access to the sea is through India, and it heavily depends on India for its import requirements.

The visit of Prime Minister Prachanda underscores the significance of the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950, which forms the foundation of the special relations between the two countries.

Following his visit to India, Prime Minister Prachanda will travel to Indore before returning to Kathmandu, concluding his visit aimed at strengthening ties and fostering greater cooperation between India and Nepal.

Prachanda, who assumed office in December 2022, is leading a substantial delegation of over 100 members, marking his first bilateral visit abroad since assuming the role. Accompanying him are esteemed individuals such as Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud, Minister for Finance Prakash Sharan Mahat, and other notable government officials.

(With agency inputs)