The conclusion of the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission marked a key moment in bilateral relations as the two nations finalized agreements in various fields and inaugurated three cross-border transmission lines.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar’s two-day official visit to Nepal, from Jan 4 to 5, upon the invitation of Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, further emphasizes the priority partnership between the two countries under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. This visit not only reaffirms the tradition of high-level exchanges between India and Nepal but also underscores their enduring and amicable neighbourly relations.
The agreements inked between India and Nepal cover a diverse spectrum, including the Implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects, Long Term Power Trade, Cooperation in Renewable Energy Development, the launch of the Munal Satellite, and the handover of the 5th tranche of post-Jajarkot earthquake relief supplies. The India-Nepal Joint Commission, comprehensively reviewing bilateral cooperation and developmental partnerships, saw mutual appreciation for the achievements made since the 6th meeting held in January 2021.
Details of the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs)
The agreement for the implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) witnessed a noteworthy increase in the budgetary ceiling, soaring from NPR 5 crore to NPR 20 crore. The Long Term Power Trade Agreement between the governments of India and Nepal aims to bolster power export from Nepal to India to 10,000 MW within a ten-year timeframe. This underscores the commitment to encouraging mutually-beneficial investments in Nepal’s hydropower generation sector and transmission infrastructure.
The Launch Service Agreement for the Munal Satellite, developed by Nepali students, stands as a testament to collaborative achievements in space exploration, with India offering support for its launch on an Indian rocket. The MoU for Cooperation in Renewable Energy Development between NTPC Limited and Nepal Electricity Authority establishes a robust framework for joint efforts in the renewable energy sector.
The joint inauguration of three 132 kV cross-border transmission lines signifies a tangible step towards enhancing connectivity between the two nations. In the presence of the ministers, the fifth tranche of post-Jajarkot earthquake relief supplies provided by India was handed over, comprising prefabricated houses, blankets, tents, and sleeping bags. This humanitarian aid, targeted at earthquake-affected people in Nepal, will be distributed over the next few weeks.
In addition to the relief supplies, Jaishankar announced a financial assistance package of approximately NPR 1000 crores to support reconstruction efforts after the recent earthquake in Jajarkot. Notably, a significant portion of this assistance is offered as grant assistance, emphasizing India’s commitment to aiding Nepal in times of need.
During his visit, he paid courtesy calls on President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,engaging in discussions on bilateral matters of mutual interest. Meetings with other senior political leaders and a dinner hosted by the Foreign Minister of Nepal in honor of Jaishankar further strengthened diplomatic ties.
On Friday (Jan 5, 2024), the minister is scheduled to inaugurate 59 post-earthquake reconstruction projects, including the new building of the Tribhuvan University Central Library, a testament to the collaborative efforts with the grant assistance of the Government of India.