“Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh, which are located east of the Mahakali River, belong to Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty. We will get them back through diplomatic talks with India,” said PM Oli.

He added that the Nepali rulers never tried to reclaim Nepali territories after the Indian army forces encroached on the area following the India-China war in 1962.

Last year, the Oli-led government issued a new political map incorporating Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh as part of Nepalese territory, triggering a border row with India.

“Some people are restless because my government issued the new political map incorporating the encroached Nepali territories. In fact, our rulers hesitated to speak against the Indian encroachment. Now, we are working to get back these territories,” said Oli.

Over the last few months, Indian Army Chief Naravane, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla, and Research and Analysis Wing Chief Samant Goel visited Nepal to improve bilateral relations between the countries. Likewise, Nepali Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali is scheduled to visit India on January 14 to hold talks with his counterpart.

Also Read: Nepal Endorses New Political Map Featuring Kalapani and Limpiyadhura

Talking about the recent high-level visits from the neighborhood countries, PM Oli said, “They came here to convey their good wishes. There is nothing to worry much about that.”

“We are working to deepen ties with India based on sovereign equality. In fact, we want to deepen the relationship with India in a true sense, and we should not hesitate to raise our issues of genuine concerns with India,” he added.

Mr. Oli also said that sincere efforts from his government had pushed the bilateral ties with both immediate neighbors – India and China – to new heights.

The prime minister also informed that his government is expanding the Araniko Highway to improve road connectivity with China. He also mentioned that a survey is being conducted to construct a tunnel connecting with Kerung of the Tibetan Autonomous Region, China.

Moreover, talking about the parliament dissolution, PM Oli said, “I was forced to dissolve the House of the Representatives as some people in my party did not allow the government to perform well.” He also criticized former chief justices for calling his act of parliament dissolution “unconstitutional.”

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The bilateral visit begins with Moscow, where the Minister is scheduled to hold delegation-level talks with his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov on November 25.

Gyawali will also be visiting the Institute of International Relations in Moscow to address on Nepal-Russia relations and cooperation, on November 26, 2019.

He will also hold discussions with Russian politicians and Non-resident Nepali community in Moscow.

After Moscow, the Minister will travel to Belgrade, where he will hold bilateral discussions with Evica Dacic, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of Serbia. He is also scheduled to pay courtesy to Serbia’s high-level dignitaries.

In Belgrade, the Foreign Minister will also participate in an interaction program with the local Chambers of Commerce and Travel and Tour operators on lines of investment and tourism promotion.

Surprisingly, this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Nepal-Serbia diplomatic relations!

Nepali Foreign Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi and Nepali Ambassador to Russian Federation Rishi Ram Ghimire and other government officials are accompanying Gyawali during his Russia visit.

While on Serbia visit, Foreign Secretary Bairagi, Non-residential Ambassador of Nepal to Serbia Ramesh Prasad Khanal and other government officials will join the Foreign Minister.

Gyawali is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on November 30, 2019.

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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his 2-day visit on Friday with the aim to strengthen the bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal. Despite being Modi’s 3^rd visit to Nepal, this visit is the first ever ‘High Level’ visit from India since Nepal’s new government formation.

The visit came after Nepali Prime Minister, KP Sharma Oli’s visit to India. It focuses on the initiative taken by India towards building friendly relationships with Nepal. Addressing the media earlier, Modi said, “My visit closely follows the State Visit of Prime Minister Oli to India last month. These high-level and regular interactions reflect my government’s commitment to the ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, in consonance with the motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’.”

Narendra Modi was received by the Nepal Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel and Chief Minister of Province-2, Lalbabu Raut among other important persons. Following this, Modi was welcomed with local music and a group of dignitaries in Janakpur.

Visit to Janaki Temple

 Modi then visited the Janaki temple in Janakpur where he offered prayers in accordance with Khodasopachar rituals. The 30-minute puja was administered by 12 priests and was attended by Nepali PM, KP Oli as well. The statue of Goddess Sita is decorated with clothes and jewels as part of the ritual. The Janaki temple is dedicated to the Goddess Sita and is reflects the Hindu Koiri Nepali architecture.

Tradition has it that the special ritual is performed only on behalf of the special guests visiting the temple.

Thousands of people from India and Nepal gathered to see the Indian PM in Janakpur. Once outside the temple, Modi described his experience saying, this is a historic moment. “It is my privilege to come here and offer prayers to Mata Janaki”. Thanking KP Oli, Narendra Modi addressed him as ‘Mere Bhai Sahib’.

Indo-Nepal Bus Route

The Indian PM was welcomed by a civic reception at the Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City in Barhabigha ground. Talking about the bus route between Janakpur and Ayodhya, he said, “Tourism is developing at a fast pace across the world. This Ramayan Circuit has immense potential.”

During his talk, Modi announced that Janakpur and its surrounding areas would receive a grant of 1 billion for its development.

Following his public addressing, Prime Ministers Narendra Modi and KP Oli flagged off the Ayodhya-Janakpur bus service. Now a part of the Ramayan Circuit, the bus route will connect the birthplaces of Goddess Sita and Lord Ram.

After a spiritual experience and the inauguration of the bus-route at Janakpur in the region of Mithila, Modi was flown to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal.

In Kathmandu, Modi was met by Foreign Minister of Nepal, Pradeep Gyawali followed by a ceremonial reception that included a Guard of Honor. Later in the day he met President of Nepal, Bidhya Devi Bhandari and Vice President, Nanda Bahadur Pun.

After the meetings, there were bilateral talks between KP Oli and Narendra Modi. The Nepali Prime Minister then hosted a dinner in honor of the Indian PM.

Modi’s Gift to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, also announced that the Indian government would gift Bhabhatron Radioactive Cobalt-60 teletherapy machine to Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Kathmandu. This machine will benefit thousands of cancer patients waiting for treatment in the Himalayan nation.

Currently, the Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital in Kathmandu has only one Bhabhatron Radioactive Cobalt-60 telepathy machine. “The hospital was in need of radiotherapy machine for treatment of cancer. There is only one Cobalt-60 radiotherapy machine in the hospital and additional gift would help provide timely treatment to cancer patients,” said Ishwor Shrestha, Director at Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital.

Visits to Muktinath and Pashupatinath

On the morning of 12^th May, Modi visited the Muktinath Temple in the Mustang district of Nepal. The Indian PM offered prayers at the golden statue of Lord Vishnu known as Mukti Narayan at the temple.

Seated at the foot of Thorong La mountain pass, Muktinath is located at a height of 3,710 M. The temple is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

The Muktinath-Chumig Gyatsa houses all the elements, earth, air, holy water and natural fire. Hindus believe that the natural fire and holy waters represents Brahma. The central belief of the Muktinath area is the veneration of Lord Vishnu in the form of Ammonites (shilas) called Salagrama-Shilas.

Modi was then welcomed with a civic reception amidst the beating of drums. He actively participated in the festivities and was seen beating a traditional Nepali dhol.

Later, in the day he visited the famous Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu. The temple is sacred to Hindus and is located on the banks of Bagmati river. Regarded as one of the oldest temples, the Pashupatinath is the temple of Shiva. Modi has visited this temple in the past but what makes this visit special is that the Indian PM becomes the first leader in the world to visit this holy shrine.

After his visit, he was invited by the President of Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other members of the Nepali Congress.

As part of his itinerary, Modi met Communist Party of Nepal (MC) Chairman, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. He was the former Prime Minister of Nepal. The meeting had Modi and Prachanda discuss ways of strengthening bilateral relations.

He also met Mahanta Thakur, President of the Rastriya Janata Party – Nepal, and other leaders of the party. Modi congratulated the party for their electoral performance and exchanged views on deepening the nations’ bilateral relations.

The Indian Prime Minister was honored in a civic felicitation program in the Rashtriya Sabha Griha, Kathmandu. After the ceremony, Modi was presented with a key of the city and other souvenirs by Bidya Sundar Shaka, Mayor of Kathmandu.

Foundation for 900-MW Hydroelectric Power Plant Laid

Modi was privileged to join his counterpart K P Sharma Oli in laying the foundation stone of the 900-megawatt Arun III Hydroelectric Power Plant in Tumlingtar area.

The project was initiated after permission was granted in accordance with the decision of the 30^th Meeting of IBN’s Board of Directors.

The largest capacity Hydroelectricity project, Arun III will be constructed over the next 5 years.

The Satluj Jala Vodyut Nigam Power Development Company was recently granted a license by the IBN, to generate power from the Arun III Hydropower Project. This power development company is a subsidiary of the Indian government-run Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam Ltd.

The Promise of a Golden Tomorrow

On Sunday, Nepali Prime Minister K. P. Oli addressed the Parliament and gave a brief about the Indian Prime Minister’s, 2-day state visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said that Modi had helped take Nepal-India ties to a higher level. Speaking further, he said Indian PM Modi had decided to set into action, the past pacts that were long pending. The two prime ministers have agreed to set a time frame to implement the past pacts.

Oli and Modi also discussed ways to address the trade issue between the two nations, further enabling the easy import of Nepali products like ginger and cardamom.

Oli told the parliament that India was open to the idea of mapping four new air routes. India is willing to extend its support by sending technicians to study Nepal’s proposal for the new air routes and will make a firm decision for the same by September.

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Nepal and Oman yesterday discussed bilateral cooperation in various sectors as part of the Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s visit to the latter country.

As part of his four-day to Oman, PM Deuba held a meeting with Omani Deputy PM Sayyid Fahad bin Mahmood Al-Said at the Royal Palace in the Omani capital Muscat yesterday.

As part of the discussion, PM Deuba sought Oman’s assistance for the development of tourism, health, agriculture and hydropower sectors of Nepal.

“We are on the verge of ending the transitional phase. Nepal will soon become a perfect destination for foreign investors and we hope Oman will invest in Nepal,” said PM Deuba.

In response, Omani Deputy PM informed that Oman will open a consulate in Nepal owing to Nepal’s significant strategic importance.

According to the Nepali Ambassador to Oman Sharmila Parajuli Dhakal, Oman Deputy PM expressed willingness to strengthen ties with Nepal by opening its embassy in the latter country.

“Nepali migrant workers in Oman have made a good impression. Oman will open a consulate in Nepal as it carries a significant strategic importance,” said Oman Deputy PM.

Omani Deputy PM also said that Nepali people would be in their utmost priority owing to Oman’s requirement of more human capital for development.

Creation of employment for Nepalese in Oman and mechanisms to protect their interest were among other issues discussed, informed Ambassador Dhakal.

Around 15,000 Nepalese are currently in Oman, mostly engaged in the hotel sector and domestic services.

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As part of his visit to UN General Assembly (UNGA) session in New York, Prime Minister Deuba held separate bilateral discussions with his counterparts from various countries including Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on Thursday.

According to the Nepali Permanent Mission in New York, matters related to common bilateral and international interests were discussed in Deuba’s discussions with the government representatives of various countries.

In a meeting with Deuba, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed emphasized the need for enhancement of transport connectivity and utilization of the Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) framework. Both the sides also discussed energy cooperation through joint investment in Nepali hydropower sector.

Deuba’s discussions with Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation through historic and religious linkages.

Recalling 60 years of Nepal-Sri Lanka bilateral ties, Deuba and Sirisena discussed cooperation in trade, tourism and economic sectors.

Calling for the early holding of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit, Nepal called for deeper cooperation among SAARC members.

Nepal’s Foreign Policy Dictated by Regional Realties, says Deuba

Post the UNGA session, Nepali Prime Minister participated in a student session at the Columbia University, New York, wherein, he responded on various key issues.

In his response to queries on geopolitical relations of Nepal, Deuba said that Nepal’s geopolitical relations are being dictated by the regional realities.

He also reiterated that ties with India and China are of national interest to Nepal.

On the issue of Rohingya refugees in Nepal, Deuba said, “We cannot afford more refugees in Nepal unfortunately. We are still facing refugee problems because Bhutanese refuges are there. There are a few Rohingya in Nepal. We can’t welcome more. We have limitations. I think the Myanmar Government can deal with this problem.”

With regard to forming of the largest-ever cabinet, Deuba hinted at the chances of further cabinet expansion.

Informing that the Nepali Constitution allows up to 10 percent of the total number of parliamentarians in the cabinet, he said the parliament currently has 595 lawmakers and the cabinet size can go up to 60 as per the existing law.

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Nepal has raised its key concerns at the 72^nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) currently being held in New York.

“As we embark upon a path of implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, challenges are the litmus tests for our leadership,” said Nepali Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba in his address at the 72^nd annual General Debate session held at UNGA.

Addressing sessions held on the sidelines of UNGA, Deuba raised various key issues related to human rights, UNRC membership, migrants, cooperation at times of natural disaster, among others pertaining to the development of Nepal.

“Global community faces a more complex and polarized environment with multiple transnational challenges ranging from terrorism, climate change, energy deficiency, food insecurity, and mass migration to extremism. Unfortunately, our efforts have been too little, and often too late. All these challenges reinforce the role and responsibility of the United Nations,” said PM Deuba.

Nepal’s Candidature for UNHRC

Candidature in the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) has been a matter of concern for Nepal. Finally, on the occasion of UNGA, PM Deuba presented Nepal’s candidature to UNHRC for the 2018-2020 term.

In this regard, he said, “Nepal’s first-ever election to the Council would be a recognition to the country’s long commitment and contribution in the field of human rights and an encouragement to do more at national as well as global levels”.

He also pitched in on the need for improvement of human rights situation in Nepal by strengthening National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and protecting the rights of women and other disadvantaged sections of the Nepali society.

The Nepali Prime Minister also pitched in for a ‘zero case scenario’ in case of attacks on civilians, abuse, sexual exploitation and also urged for greater security in case of migrants.

A Special Request Under Peacekeeping Operations

With regard to UN peacekeeping operations, Nepali PM urged UN to ensure fair opportunity to the countries contributing troop and security personnel by placing them at leadership positions, both on-field and at headquarters.

Pitching in for Nepali participation in higher ranks of UN peacekeeping operations, Deuba made an official request to increase the number of Nepali Army deployed in UN missions for which, UN General Secretary responded positively saying that would be taken on utmost priority.

The Permanent Mission of Nepal to UN in New York expressed hope that the request would be addressed soon.

Deuba also urged UN to utilize Nepal’s Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre, the oldest in the region, and also contribute for its development as a regional center of excellence for peacekeeping training.

Nepali Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara reiterated Nepal’s commitment to peacekeeping operations.

Currently, there are more than 5,000 Nepali security personnel deployed in various UN missions globally and Nepal is the largest troop and police contributing country.

Call for Ban on Destructive Weapons

“Nepal welcomes the confidence-building measures on conventional weapons, ending nearly two decades of stalemate in the UN Disarmament Commission. Nepal has signed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons as a step towards nuclear disarmament” said Deuba calling for complete disarmament.

He further said that Nepal, as the host to the Regional Centre for Peace and Disarmament for Asia-Pacific, would call for reactivation of the regional disarmament deliberations under the Kathmandu Process. 

“Nepal condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and anywhere in the world. The world must come together to address not just its symptoms but the root causes. Early conclusion of the anti-terrorism global convention is the call of our time,” Deuba added.

Migration, Need of the Hour

Stating that there is an urgent need for addressing migration-related issues, the Nepali Prime Minister said Nepal is eagerly waiting for a successful outcome of the 2018 Global Compact on Migration.

“Nepal calls for concerted efforts at the national, regional and international levels to ensure that the migration process creates a fair and win-win situation to all. We call for safety, security, dignity and well-being of all migrant workers,” said Deuba.

LLDCs and LDCs Not Getting Benefitted

“Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) have not been developing from the process of globalization,” said Deuba speaking at the UNGA session.

In this regard, he called on UN to ensure that these two groups of countries have partnerships and technology transfer and reliable and sustainable financing to overcome structural impediments.

He further said the South-South cooperation in terms of trade, investment and technology should be fully exploited.

“LDCs are the most vulnerable group of countries. They cannot be perennially equated with dehumanizing conditions of poverty and under development. They must be enabled to smoothly and sustainably graduate at an early date,” he added.

Speaking on bilateral relations with other countries, Deuba said, “Nepal believes in non-alignment. In exercise of our independent foreign policy, we judge every issue on its merit without fear or favor. We consider regional cooperation an important means for building trust and confidence among nations and making the best use of complementarities for shared prosperity.”

Permanent Representative of Nepal to UN Durga Prasad Bhattarai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Foreign Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister Dinesh Bhattarai and Foreign Affairs Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi and were among other key Nepali officials who took part in UNGA sessions.

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As the Government of Nepal completed its most-awaited local elections, help started pouring in for the development of the country’s local bodies that are set to change the phase of the country.

In a recent update, the South Korean Government has come forward to extend its support for transforming six local tiers of Nepal into smart cities.

An official information in this regard was revealed at the International City Summit and Mayors’ Forum held from September 10-13, 2017 at South Korean capital Seoul.

Under the plan, South Korea will be offering diverse financial assistance for the development of two metropolitan cities, Pokhara and Kathmandu, and four municipalities including Nilkantha in Dhading, Dhulikhel in Kavre, Ramgram in Nawalparasi and Bhaktapur.

Ramgram Municipality’s Mayor, Narendra Kumar Gupta confirmed this saying the South Korean Government will be providing a strategic framework for the development of the local bodies.

Gupta further informed that the information on diverse strategies for sustainable development in transforming Nepal’s six markets into smart cities was discussed at the Summit.

The summit held in South Korea witnessed a participation of 130 Mayors from 50 different countries. As part of the meet, concerned South Korean officials provided an extensive report on South Korea’s all-round development works spanning 35 years to the participants.

The six-member Nepali delegation, including the Chiefs of the local tiers, attended the event as part of their tour to the Science and Research Centre in South Korea.

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After a five-day bilateral visit to India, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Kathmandu yesterday.

During his visit, Deuba raised various issues and discussed key agreements related to Indo-Nepal ties.

In a bilateral meeting held between the officials of both the countries in New Delhi on August 24, 2017, India and Nepal signed eight agreements including pacts for cooperation in post-earthquake rebuilding and fighting drug trafficking.

Both the sides also agreed to set a timeline for the fast completion of energy-related projects including the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the Pancheshwar Hydro-electricity Project.

Post the delegation-level discussions, Deuba and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took part in a joint press meet, wherein, they jointly inaugurated the Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur cross-border power transmission lines.

Deuba drew criticism for his statements during the joint press meet, wherein, he said he would continue pushing for amendments in the Nepali constitution.

Speaking on Deuba’s remarks, the opposition parties of Nepal said the constitution amendment is an internal matter of Nepal and the PM should not have raised the issue in a foreign land.

Upon his return to Kathmandu yesterday evening, Deuba responded to the opposition parties’ remarks saying, “I don’t know why my remark was unnecessarily hyped. Let’s set a benchmark for what we should speak in what country. Otherwise, my statement is right. I have not made any mistake.”

Deuba was accompanied by a 59-member Nepali delegation, which included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Tourism Minister Jitendra Dev and Commerce Minister Meen Bishwakarma, among others.

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