Nepal’s Finance Secretary Sishir Kumar Dhungana and World Bank Country Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, Faris Hadad-Zervos, signed the agreement on Sunday.

The World Bank will provide the finance to the Nepali Government through budgetary support. This is the first credit under the Fiscal Policy for Growth, Recovery, and Resilience Development that supports reforms for protecting the most vulnerable and supporting business growth.

The project will help accelerate ongoing large development projects to create jobs, boost businesses, and support green recovery.

“The proposed budgetary support will be utilized in the physical infrastructural projects and economic recovery sectors as per the requirement and priorities of the Government of Nepal,” said Dhungana on occasion.

He added that the monetary support would accelerate Nepal’s recovery from the pandemic, protect the most vulnerable, and help the nation recuperate by reforming tax and customs systems, public investment management, and environmental regulations.

“The project will help Nepal achieve sustained growth post-pandemic that is inclusive, job-creating, and environmentally sustainable,” said WB Country Director Zervos.

“The World Bank is committed to supporting the government’s pandemic response to protect lives and stimulate economic recovery in Nepal.”

Stay Tuned to NepaliSansar for Latest Nepal Business News!

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• Nepal Prime Minister distributes all portfolios to the remaining cabinet ministers
• NPR 1.33Bn Corruption Case Filed Against Rev. Dept. DG Chudamani Sharma and Co.
• Nepal Lifts Ban on Domestic and International Flights!

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Namgyal Khampa, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, handed over the NPR 1.54 billion worth cheque to Sishir Kumar Dhungana, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance of Nepal.

After the devastating earthquake that struck Nepal in 2015, which killed over 9,000 people and damaged 800,000 houses, the Indian Government has come forward to provide USD 150 billion in grants and line of credit to reconstruct houses and educational institutions.

So far, India has reimbursed around USD 72 million in grants to Nepal for housing sector reconstruction.

Also Read: Nepal Earthquake Reconstruction: 400,000 Houses Completed

“India has expressed commitment to help rebuild 50,000 private houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, which were destroyed due to the 2015 great earthquake. Of them, 92% of construction works have already been completed,” said the Indian Embassy.

“India remains committed to continuing supporting the people and Government of Nepal in their post-earthquake recovery efforts,” it added.

Moreover, the Indian Government has also committed USD 50 million in grants to reconstruct 70 schools and one library.  So far, the Nepali Government has received USD 4.2 million.

Also Read: Nepal Earthquake Reconstruction India Grants NPR 1.6 Bn Aid for 50,000 Damaged Homes

Earlier, the Indian Government had also partnered with the United Nations Development Programme and the United Nations Office for Project Services to help the house owners rebuild their homes as per the earthquake-resilient norms.

Stay Tuned to NepaliSansar for Latest News and Updates!

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• Pandemic Pushes Gautam Buddha Int’l Airport Project into Uncertainty!
• US Embassy in Nepal Organizes Public Policy Training for Youth!
• Nepal’s Outstanding Loan Stands at NPR 1.37 Tn, Per Capita Debt at NPR 45,753
• Nepal Introduces ‘Digital Wallet’ for Easy, Secure Remittance Transfer!
• Nepali PM KP Oli to Address UN General Assembly, Virtually!

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1) As the Government of Nepal has been doing all possible for the protection of foreign nationals staying in Nepal during the present COVID-19 Pandemic, request all friendly countries through diplomatic channel for the protection and safety of Nepali nationals in the countries of their residence.

Likewise, call upon all Nepali nationals abroad to stay in safety and composure in the countries wherever they are. Nepali diplomatic missions abroad shall inform about the decisions and steps taken by the Government of Nepal to Nepali nationals staying abroad through regular dissemination of information.

2) Allow entry for one time to Nepali nationals who had started their journey before the decision of the Government of Nepal on 22 March 2020 to restrict the movement through international border points effective from 6 a.m. of 24 March 2020 and have arrived at the border points through various land routes and are stranded.

Concerned provincial governments and local levels shall arrange mandatory health screening and at put in quarantine for least 14 days for the persons entering Nepal this way.

3) Commence the testing of COVID-19 at the earliest from the laboratories of B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences – Dharan, Pokhara Institute of Health Sciences – Pokhara and Bheri Hospital- Nepalgunj.

For this, Ministry of Health and Population shall arrange necessary testing kits and training.

Until the laboratory testing services do not come into operation in those places, the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Population shall arrange to bring the collected swab from Biratnagar and Nepalgunj by air to Kathmandu for testing.

4) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall coordinate with the friendly neighbours China and India to bring at the earliest the essential medicines, equipments and medical logistics necessary for prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19 contagion in Nepal.

5) Department of Health Services shall issue today itself a public notice again for the earliest supply of essential medicines, equipments and treatment materials necessary for prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19 contagion.

After having a discussion with the related suppliers tomorrow, the Department shall arrange the supply of such materials by 28 March 2020.

The Government of Nepal shall make necessary arrangements in case there is any problem in the shipment of such materials to be supplied to the Department.

6) Regarding the movement of vehicles, diplomatic missions, individuals and institutions enjoying diplomatic immunities and privileges shall be exempted.

Similarly, movements shall be allowed on the basis of their identity cards to the media persons holding valid Press Pass; persons involved in health services, including doctors, nurses, pharmacist, technicians of the laboratories; people involved in the production, shipment and distribution of medicines; and all those involved in medical treatment.

7) As the Government of Nepal has already established “COVID-19 Prevention, Control and Treatment Fund” for prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19, any other agencies or institutions shall not establish separate fund for the same purpose.

If such fund has already been established, amounts shall be deposited in such funds only from the institutions and individuals under those promoters.

The amount thus collected shall be mandatorily deposited every week to the account number 196000001101 of the fund established by the Government of Nepal at Rastriya Banijya Bank. This information shall be disseminated to all through a public notice.

8) Secretariat of High-level Coordination Committee for the Prevention and Control of COVID-19 is located at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.

A public notice shall be issued to contact Mr. Narayan Prasad Bidari (Contact No. 9848594983), Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and Member Secretary of the Coordination Committee for any suggestions and information with regard to the decisions of the High-level Committee and with regard to the deposit of amount to “COVID-19 Prevention, Control and Treatment Fund” established by the Government of Nepal.

Source: U.S. Embassy in Nepal

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According to the Government Spokesperson Gokul Baskota, the government has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to file candidacy for the non-permanent seat at UN Security Council for 2037-38 term.

Moreover, the government has also ordered the MoFA to intensify lobbying for the seat, said Baskota.

Meanwhile, spokesperson for the MoFA Bharat Raj Paudyal informed press that they have initiated the process for filing candidacy and lobbying for the same, on December 12, 2019.

But, in order to secure the non-permanent seat at the UNSC, the Government of Nepal must carry out campaigns at national and international platforms.

Earlier, Nepal has served twice as a non-permanent member at the UNSC in 1969-70 and 1988-1989.

However, Nepal had suffered a setback in 2006.

So, Nepal is looking forward to try its luck in the upcoming term.

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This a good omen for Oli-led Nepal Government that envisages an 8 percent economic growth rate for the coming Fiscal Year 2018-19 (beginning mid-July). Also, this comes as a much-required push for Nepal whose three-trillion economy is very much dependent on the agricultural sector’s 27.6 percent contribution. To meet the expected rate, the government is targeting a current growth rate of 4.5 percent.

What Economists Have to Say?

Economists say, a good monsoon-start tremendously benefits farm output. This is because 55 percent of Nepal’s 3.09 million hectare is arable and is highly dependent on rainfall. It can be also key in arresting inflation, which is currently worrying the Nepal Government and threatening the country at large.

Further, bumper harvest tackles inflation in a way that it creates avenue for supply.

The government should smartly allocate minimum support prices on farm products in case farmers don’t earn enough on surplus supply, say experts.

Economist Keshav Acharya says, “Overall, if the agricultural sector performs well and the local and provincial governments spend their allocated capital, the 8 percent economic growth target is attainable.”

“This year, despite poor capital spending, regular supply of electricity and good industrial relation, helped the country to achieve 6 percent of growth,” he adds.

Agriculture – A Key Influencer
According to Acharya, the agricultural sector growth or productivity is a highly-influencing factor.

For example, if the agricultural production increases, it will automatically lead to productivity in the non-agricultural sectors such as industries, tourism, education, hotels, hospitals and retail.

“The increase in agriculture production means farmers’ income will also increase and they will spend more,” says Acharya.

Following which he added that a small growth in agricultural sector can create a ripple effect on other sectors.

Cloudy Sky for Nepal

As per the statement of the 12th session of the South Asian Climate Outlook Forum (SASCOF) released on April 20, 2018, ”Nepal is expected to witness a ‘normal’ monsoon this year.”

“There is a very slim chance of a deficient monsoon this year and based on the forecast, we can expect Nepal’s agriculture sector to get a big boost,” says Rishi Ram Sharma, Director General, Hydrology and Meteorology Department.

Speaking further he adds, “Monsoon has entered Nepal from the eastern part of the country. It is expected to cover the entire country within few days. This is the first time in last 10 years that monsoon has arrived two days before of its schedule.”

Paddy Crop Boost in FY 2016-17
In the last fiscal year, Nepal’s paddy harvest saw an all-time high of 5.23 million tons after the country received above-normal monsoon. The paddy production last year accelerated the agricultural sector’s growth rate by 5.43 percent leading to a higher economic growth rate of 6.9 percent in the past 23 years.

Chitwan Faces Crisis – Traditional Rice Varieties Vanish

Meanwhile, Chitwan District in Province 3 of Nepal is facing crisis over the wipe out of almost 321 varieties of rice except the ‘Anadi’. The district that boasted of a wide variety of rice until three decades ago is now having to depend on hybrid varieties.

According to the Nepal Agricultural Research Council (NARC), the increasing usage of hybrid and Genetically-Modified (GM) rice varieties has beaten the usage of traditional varieties. And, the former scenario is increasingly visible in the Tarai region to hilly areas.

Currently, NARC is conducting research and studying new methods of developing high-yielding varieties of the rice crop that are resistant to climate change and diseases through the usage of traditional variety seeds.

IFAD and Nepal sign MoU Over Food Security
Recently, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Nepal have come to an understanding to significantly boost incomes and food and nutrition security for 35,000 rural farming households in 10 districts of State 6.

The MoU was signed by Gilbert F Houngbo, President of IFAD and Sreekrishna Nepal, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Nepal.

With a duration of six years and a budget of USD 68.1 million; inclusive of a USD 38.3 million loan and a USD 1.8 million grant, this initiative will be co-funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SADC) and the Government of Nepal with a funding of USD 3 million and USD 11.5 million, respectively.

The program will be started in Dailekh, Humla, Jumla, Mugu, Dolpa, Jajarkot, Kalikot, Salyan, Rukum and Surket districts of State 6.

“The scheme will target smallholder producers and landless rural people interested in engaging in targeted value chain activities,” says Lakshmi Moola, IFAD Country Program Manager.

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The 30^th Annual Rafting Festival 2018 held under the theme ‘Let’s Protect our Rivers for Tourism and Environment’ witnessed more than 400 local and foreign participants.

As part of the festival, an annual white-water rafting was organized at the Benighat-Phisling section of Trishuli River, 40 km away from Kathmandu.

“Being enriched with water resources, Nepal has a huge prospect for water adventures. Thus, through this event, we aim to promote water adventure rafting which highly contributes to the country’s tourism,” said Shiva Adhikari, general secretary of Nepal Association of Rafting Agencies (NARA), an umbrella organization of rafting agencies that organized the event.

Besides tourism promotion, the festival was also aimed at protecting and preserving the rivers across Nepal for environmental conservation.

Sharing his experience about the festival, Sujata Bhattarai, a health professional and one of the festival participants said, “It was my first time and I enjoyed paddling along with the water waves. It’s an amazing experience.”

On the occasion, NARA pitched for the Nepal’s status as the best destination for adventurous water tourism.

Among various other adventure sports such as cannoning, kayaking and stand-up paddle, Nepal has a special place for rafting because of a good number of river bodies across the country.

While there are nearly 6000 big and small rivers across the country, 16 big rivers including Trishuli, Kali Gandaki, Sunkoshi, Bhotekoshi and Karnali, among others allow river rafting under government’s approval.

Nepali rafting industry has around 65 river rafting agencies and nearly 1,500 rafting guides.

Also Read: 

• Adventure Tourism – The Extreme Side of Nepal

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The World Health Organization (WHO) validated this in its recent announcement calling this as a milestone achievement for the country. Nepal “becomes the first in WHO’s South-East Asia Region to defeat the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness”.

WHO South-East Asia Regional Director Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh and WHO Director General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva, Switzerland handed over an acknowledgment letter of validation to the Nepali Minister of State for Health and Population Padma Kumari Aryal as part of the World Health Assembly.

Applause for Governance

Officials had a round of applause on Nepal for this ground-breaking achievement of dealing out with the disease of concern.

The Government of Nepal involving the Minister of State for Health and Population, the Ministry of Water Supply and Sanitation and the Ministry of Education, supported by the strong commitment of local health workers and volunteers drew deserved focus for their efforts on this achievement.

Nepal’s Years of Efforts: An Example of Public-Govt Commitment

Nepal has really come a long way for finally dealing out with the world’s leading infectious cause of blindness. The struggle dates back to the 1980s when Trachoma was the second leading cause of preventable blindness in Nepal.

Stepping up the efforts, the Government of Nepal took a serious initiative in 2002 by establishing the national trachoma program for the complete elimination of the disease. As part of this effort supported by sustained control activities, the country could see the prevalence of active (inflammatory) trachoma fall by 40 percent during 2002-05.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education also proved its significant role in taking the program to the next level by spreading awareness across the nation while also proposing the inclusion of a module on trachoma in the school curriculum.

As part of control activities, the Ministry of Water Supply and Sanitation played crucial by supporting the local communities and districts with the necessary incentives required for building basic infrastructure facilities that improve sanitation and control disease-carrying flies.

The mission to fight trachoma also involved activities across the country.

• Nearly 30 000 operations were conducted to manage trichiasis
• More than 15 million doses of azithromycin were distributed with the help of NNJS supported by the United States Agency for International Development-funded ENVISION project implemented by RTI International under the International Trachoma Initiative
• Overall, the country saw the establishment of eye hospitals and dozens of eye centers and clinics with trained staff between 2002 and 2014

As a result, a series of health surveys conducted progressively during 2005-15 proved the falling rate of active trachoma in children below the elimination prevalence threshold. Low prevalence after the discontinuity of mass antibiotic treatment was also observed.

Global Efforts

The efforts to fight trachoma took a serious turn in 1998 when the World Health Assembly resolved to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem globally.

Since then, the world nations began striving for significant progress in this path and an increasing number of endemic countries eventu

ally started meeting targets for national elimination of trachoma as a public health problem.

WHO has been in the forefront in taking ahead the initiative on a global scale. As part of its efforts, WHO launched the WHO Alliance for the Global Elimination of Trachoma by 2020 (GET 2020).

Under this initiative, WHO stepped up efforts to support country-wise implementation of the SAFE (Surgery for trichiasis, Antibiotics to clear infection, Facial cleanliness and Environmental improvement to limit transmission) strategy and strengthening of national capacity through epidemiological assessment, monitoring, surveillance, project evaluation and resource mobilization.

Significant Events in Nepal’s Fight Against Trachoma from 1978 to 2018

Source: WHO South-East Asia

In 2014, Dr. Khetrapal Singh identified the elimination of neglected tropical diseases as one of the flagship priority programmes across the globe. As a result, the countries in the region including Nepal continued their concerted efforts and Nepal eventually emerged as the first one in the region to fully eliminate the disease nationwide.

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This 26-km tunnel will supply water from the Melamchi river to the residents of the Kathmandu valley, who have been suffering a severe water shortage in the region.

The initiative is coming after a reported loss of about 40% of the 100 million liters of daily water supply, which was going waste due to leakage.

The scope of the USD 335 million project included building of the tunnel and also the construction of a 29-km access.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of Nepal worked hand-in-hand to address this long pending issue.

Within a span of 18 years and with the financial aid of USD 145 million from ADB, the government has brought the project to a promising point in its conception and aims at completing it by early July 2018.

In a joyous breakthrough ceremony, the ADB Director General, Hun Kim said, “I think it is a historic day. Nepal can now tell the outside world that ‘Nepal can do it!’ I think with this kind of spirit, we can overcome any challenges.”

“Today is important because this is the proof that we can work together, and we can deliver. ADB will continue to work with the government until the day when the people in Kathmandu valley get water 24/7,” he added further.

The breakthrough ceremony was also attended by other important dignitaries like the Vice President of Nepal Nanda Bahadur Pun and Minister for Drinking Water Bina Magar.

How can the inhabitants benefit?

With the new development, the customers of Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited will now avail an additional 170 million liters of water per day, by the end of 2018. Moreover, the new system ensures water supply for at least 2-4 hours.

The Roadmap for the Future

ABD has planned to work with the Government of Nepal to incorporate the objectives of the Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) for the year 2017-2019, which focus on:

• Better road and air transport connectivity, and trade facilitation;
• Sustainable urban development and assessment of economic corridors to improve linkages with large, fast-growing neighboring countries;
• Energy sector reforms and investments in generation, transmission, and distribution systems;
• Upgrading skills and education; and
• Water resources development and management, and transformation from subsistence to commercial agriculture.

 A Recap of Past Objectives:

ADB had earlier decided to assist the Government of Nepal with its development objective of accelerated, sustainable, inclusive economic growth as per the Country Partnership Strategy for 2013-2017.

The framework of the initiative focused on:

• The growth in economic opportunities in infrastructure
• Access to economic opportunities through projects and programs in education which included skills development, water supply and sanitation and rural infrastructure
• Mainstreaming gender equality and social inclusion and supporting related reforms which would also improve access to basic services
• Promoting social protection through work on disaster risk management, skills development and knowledge partnerships

On an End Note!

The latest improvement supported by ADB is definitely a solution to one of the long-awaited key infrastructure concerns of the Kathmandu Valley. Hope more such international collaborations will take the country’s infrastructure development to the next level.

 Also read: ADB initiatives for Nepal for 2017-19.

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The move closely watched by Indo-Nepal communities, resulted in positive outcomes as evident in Oli’s statements after the successful completion of his three-day visit during April 6-8, 2018.

As part of the visit along with his wife and 53-member Nepali delegation, Oli held discussions and special meetings with the Indian dignitaries including President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other key political leaders and personalities.

Significant and Fruitful

“My official visit to India was significant and fruitful. The visit has helped in clearing misunderstanding

and mistrust, and strengthening mutual trust and understanding. The bilateral relations will move forward in a new direction on the basis of equality and mutual interest,” Oli said in a statement after arriving at the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu post his India visit, indicating a new era for Indo-Nepal bilateral ties under his government.

We have agreed to expedite past agreements and understandings reached between the two countries, he added.

As part of the visit, both the sides also discussed cooperation across various sectors. Let’s have a glance at some of the key highlights of sector-wise cooperation discussed during Oli’s visit:

In the bilateral meetings, India and Nepal agreed upon few key agreements that have been under discussion for quite some time.

Stating that both the Prime Ministers were satisfied with the bilateral talks, Indian Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale informed that the two sides discussed strengthening of cooperation through agriculture, trade, defense, security, along with enhanced connectivity through railway and water ways.

Both the sides have reportedly come to a consensus on taking ahead the construction of Raxaul- Kathmandu railway line and the operation of Nepalese steamers for goods and public movement from Nepal to other countries.

Trade, Security & Inland Waterways

Towards trade cooperation, the two sides decided to develop inland waterways within the trade and transit framework for a seamless movement of cargo between the two countries.

During the discussions, Oli also raised concerns over widening Nepal’s trade deficit with India and urged Indian Government to encourage more Nepali exports.

With regard to security, he said, “We have strong relations when it comes to the aspect of security. We will work together to stop misuse of our open border.”

Green Revolution and Connectivity                                                                                                                  

As part of visit to the Uttarakhand’s GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, where he was awarded the honorary doctorate (Doctor of Science), Oli urged India’s support for revolutionizing agriculture in Nepal.

“Both India and Nepal are agriculture-based economies and should work together in boosting agricultural output,” Oli said in a statement.

On the occasion, Oli also welcomed the University’s collaboration in revolutionizing the Nepali agriculture sector saying, “Looking towards Indian varsities like GB Pant, one of the harbingers of the Green Revolution, who can aid us in achieving our objectives in this regard… I think if the university and Nepal collaborate in the sector, agriculture in our country will get revolutionized through a technological boost.”

He further said India’s and the University’s support are key for strengthening the two agricultural universities in Nepal that are in the initial stages of development with the need for research support.

In response, Uttarakhand Governor K.K. Paul expressed the University’s willingness to collaborate with the Government of Nepal in the fields of horticulture and herbal farming.

Lauding Oli’s visit, Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat urged for improved connectivity between Nepal and Uttarakhand, especially in the border areas of Tanakpur and Dharchula.

He also pitched for direct flights between Kathmandu and Dehradun.

Call for Investment

As part of the visit, Oli held a round of discussion with the Indo-Nepal business community, wherein, he urged the Indian business community to invest in Nepal.

Citing Nepal’s investor-friendly environment, Oli pitched for investments across infrastructure, tourism, IT, agriculture and power sectors.

Stating that Nepal has fair and investor-friendly policies along with a supportive policy regime, Oli called on the businessmen for massive foreign investment.

“Indian investors have invested across the globe, so why not go to the next-door Nepal. Geographical proximity, easy access and cultural similarities are all there to make you feel good about Nepal,” noted Oli.

Potential Market & Incentives

Speaking on market opportunities Nepal has for the foreign investors or collaborators, Oli said, “Investors always look for market. Look at Nepal’s position. For us, market is not a problem, but production is a problem. It is lying between two vibrant economic powers with huge population of the world — India and China. That assures you of a promising market of 2.5 billion people. Seize the opportunity.”

Lauding European markets for their duty-free access to Nepal, he said, “We are ready to listen to you, your advises and suggestions. We want to know your views. We are committed to further improving our business climate.”

Wooing foreign investors, he noted that Nepal offers attractive incentives compared to other countries by way of simplified tax regimes and reduced tariffs.

He also informed about Nepal’s plans to establish Special Economic Zones (SEZ) in the cities sharing borders India along with offering necessary incentives to the industries, forming liberal labor laws, among others.

First International Cross-country Pipeline

As part of the visit, Oli and Modi inaugurated the long-awaited initiative of Rs 3.24 billion worth India-Nepal petroleum pipeline from Motihari to Amlekhgunj. This is the first international cross-country pipeline project in India.

Under the project, Indian Oil Corporation will supply Nepal’s major petroleum products from its Barauni Refinery and Raxaul depot in Bihar to Amlekhganj depot of Nepal Oil Corporation.

The 69-km-long pipeline project involves setting up of a 10.75-inch diameter cross-country pipeline that stretches from Motihari in Bihar to Amlekhganj in Nepal, with 32.7 km of pipeline in the Indian territory and 36.2 km in the Nepali territory.

The design-throughput capacity of this pipeline, which has pumping facilities at Motihari, stands at 2.0 million tons per annum.

This major project signed in 2015 is expected to be completed by March 2019.

The End Note

Overall, Oli’s recent visit to India has opened avenues for new form of bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India contributing to a strong South Asia. Now, it’s time for wait and watch!

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With this decision, India’s financial aid to Nepal for the new financial year steps up to Rs 650 crore, a 73 percent rise over the previous year, wherein, the allocation was Rs 375 crore.

Besides Nepal, India has also decided to give financial aid of Rs 1,813 crore to Bhutan for the coming financial year, the highest among other recipient nations receiving aid from India for FY 2018-19.

“India and Nepal have close civilizational and cultural ties, and a wide-ranging and expanding partnership across diverse sectors, which stand firmly on their own. The Indian Government is committed to advancing its development partnership to Nepal as per their priorities,” said the Indian Parliamentary Committee report on External Affairs.

The report further noted that the allocation of funds to both the countries also reflects India’s commitment to support both the countries towards expediting the development of ongoing projects, among other activities in coordination with the respective governments.

This news gains significance in the light of Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s likely visit to India in the first week of April 2018.

Though a formal announcement in this regard is yet to be made, Oli’s three-day maiden trip to India after assuming office is being considered key to the foreign relations between the two countries in view of the formation of Communist-led government in Nepal.

India For a Lifeline Project with Nepal

Meanwhile, in another update indicating strong Indo-Nepal diplomatic ties, India is seeking Nepal’s help for the revival of its Yamuna River to address water concerns in the Indian capital Delhi.

This move is part of Indian PM Narendra Modi’s trans-country river-linking project that is aimed at interlinking 31 rivers and divert the excess water quantity to the arid areas.

Through this project, India is looking at bringing in water from Sharda River or Mahakali River on the Indo-Nepal border to Yamuna near Delhi.

“The proposal has been cleared by a committee of secretaries and a request has been sent to the MEA (ministry of external affairs) to initiate a dialogue with Nepal,” said Indian Secretary for Water Resources UP Singh.

The committee of secretaries has actually met Nepal to negotiate with Nepal on the 540-MW capacity Pancheshwar multi-purpose hydropower project. 

The proposed Shard-Yamuna project is being considered as a lifeline project for Yamuna and is expected to benefit four Indian States: UP, Haryana, Punjab and Rajasthan.

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