India and Nepal ink pacts on physical connectivity, power and tourism

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that several agreements have been signed between India and Nepal, focusing on enhancing physical connectivity as well as cooperation in the power and tourism sectors.

Addressing the media during a joint press conference with his visiting Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' after their bilateral meeting, Modi said: "We have established new rail links to increase physical connectivity. A long-term power trade agreement has been established today between India and Nepal. This will give strength to the power sector of our countries."

He further added that the religious and cultural ties between India and Nepal are very old and strong.

"To further strengthen this, we have decided that projects related to the Ramayana Circuit should be expedited," Modi added.

On his part, Prachanda said: "This is my fourth visit to India. The relationship between India and Nepal is age-old. Today we discussed steps to strengthen the ties between both nations. We also jointly launched many groundbreaking projects."

Modi and Prachanda virtually participated in the groundbreaking and inauguration ceremonies of various projects, giving a boost to cross-border connectivity and the flow of people, goods, and energy.

Both leaders jointly unveiled the e-plaque of the Kurtha-Bijalpura section of the railway.

They also jointly flagged off the Indian Railway cargo train from Bathnaha to the Nepal Customs Yard.

They participated in the handover of the Kurtha-Bijalpura section of railway line and also witnessed the inaugural run of an Indian railway cargo train from Bathnaha (India) to the Nepal Customs Yard.

The two Prime Ministers inaugurated inland container ports (ICPs) at Nepalgunj (Nepal) and Rupaidiha (India).

They also participated in the groundbreaking ceremonies of ICPs at Bhairahawa (Nepal) and Sonauli (India) and in the groundbreaking ceremonies of phase II facilities under the Motihari-Amlekhgunj petroleum pipeline.

Modi and Prachanda also virtually participated in the groundbreaking ceremony of the Indian portion of the Gorakhpur-Bhutwal transmission line.

Prachanda arrived in India on Wednesday on a four-day official visit. (IANS)

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