India and Nepal on Monday agreed to accelerate work on bilateral projects. Which includes cross-border rail links and infrastructure schemes , as senior officials of the two sides held a meeting for the first time since a border row strained ties.
The meeting of the India-Nepal was held in Kathmandu via video conference two days after a phone conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli.
“Both sides deliberated on the issues and agreed to expedite their implementations,” said a statement from the Indian embassy in Kathmandu.
A statement from Nepal’s foreign ministry added: “Both sides underlined the need for the expeditious implementation of the bilateral projects. In that connection, they agreed to undertake necessary measures to timely address problems and obstacles in the course of implementation.”
India has committed to rebuild 50,000 houses damaged by the devastating earthquake of April 2015.
Nepal also acknowledged the Covid-19-related help from India, including the supply of medicines and medical equipment.
“It is as important as our relations with Bangladesh and Bhutan, even with all the difficulties. Its importance can’t be overstated. Whether things will now improve is contingent on Prime Minister Oli’s political fortunes. Obviously, there are people within the Nepal government who want a more balanced situation and who don’t want a break in ties with India, and they are pushing back,” Deo said.
