While one is on border security measures as part of the 3^rd India-Nepal Coordination meeting scheduled for August 08, 2018, the other meeting on August 09, 2018 is about reviewing the existing trade treaty between the two countries.

Border Security
A seven-member Nepali delegation led by the Inspector General of Nepal Armed Police Force Shailendra Khanal has already arrived in New Delhi to take part in this three-day meeting from August 8-10, 2018.

According to the Indian Home Ministry, the meeting will throw light on key issues pertaining to border security, such as exchange of information on crimes and criminals, regular mutual visits of officials, coordination on field level and training of armed personnel of both the countries.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meet, Khanal stressed on the need for enhancing security coordination through activities such as joint patrolling, frequent border-level meetings and combined training of armed forces.

Review of Trade & Transit Treaty
Meanwhile, officials of both nations are also gearing up for preparation meeting for the long-awaited review of the Nepal-India Trade and Transit Treaty on August 09, 2018.

A seven-member Nepali delegation led by the Nepal Industry Ministry Spokesperson Rabi Shankar Sainju is traveling to India as Nepal’s representation in this Joint Secretary level meeting.

As part of the meet, Nepali side will be highlighting issues such as handling of Nepali-bound cargo at Indian ports, usage of Indian seaports and assisting Indian businessmen in the production business, widening trade deficit between the two countries, among other issues pertaining to Indo-Nepal bilateral trade.

Port Operations: Nepal will be presenting a proposal pertaining to the transshipment modality for Nepal-bound cargo from India’s Visakhapatnam port.

“If the transshipment modality is implemented at the new port, it will also reduce the number of documents required to transport Nepal-bound consignments at the Indian port,” says Sanju.

The delegation will be pitching for the launch of an Electronic Cargo Tracking System (ECTS) for Nepal-bound containers, alike what Nepal did in case of Kolkata port four months ago.

“We will be requesting the Indian side to implement the modality on a trial basis for a month,” adds Sanju.

As part of the meeting, Nepali delegation is also planning to urge India to give them access to other Indian seaports such as Dhamra Port of Odisha and Mundra Port of Gujarat, among others.

Assisting Indian Businessmen: Nepali team is also keen on pitching for assistance to Indian investors in their investment process in the production sector. Officials feel that this would curtail the widening trade deficit between the two countries.

Provisions related to enhancing bilateral trade and finding solutions to rules of origin put forth by the Indian Government are among other key issues to be discussed under the review of the Trade and Transit Treaty over the next three months.

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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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The event witnessed a wide range of cultural programs including the unique 10-member Odissi dance, folk performances by young teams, among others.

The event also marked the celebrations of the auspicious Maha Shivaraatri festival.

Indian Ambassador to Nepal Manjeev Singh Puri and Veteran Nepali actress Mithila Sharma inaugurated the event.

Of all, a special dance performance by the Odissi troupe led by Dr Sujata Mishra stood as a special highlight of the program.

Indian Cultural Centre supported all the aforementioned cultural events.

Nepali Army Day

Meanwhile, Nepal is also celebrating Nepali Army Day on February 13, 2018 and the day coincides with the famous Hindu festival Maha Shivaraatri.

Taking ahead Indo-Nepal military cooperation, Indian Army Chief Bipin Rawat is visiting the Nepali event as a chief guest marking the first such visit by any Indian Army to Nepal.

“This is the first time any Chief of the Indian Army will be present here on the Army Day,” says Nainraj Dahal, Spokesperson, Nepali Army.

The event to be organized at Army Pavilion, Tundikhel will see cultural performances by military personnel, who will also fire cannons marking the celebrations of the day.

As part of the visit, Rawat will also hold discussions with various Nepali officials on strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.

On the occasion, chiefs of both Indian and Nepali Army will be honored special titles in respect to their works.

The post India, Nepal Celebrate 70 Years Of Diplomatic Ties appeared first on Nepali Sansar.

The 2^nd Indo-Nepal Trade Fair and Tourism Festival, being organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Kanchanpur with the help of Ministry of Commerce and Trade and Export Promotion Centre, is promoted by the Nepal Tourism Board, the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi, India.

The expo features more than 50 stalls that showcase various food items, medicinal herbs, agricultural products and handicrafts that promote the unique identity of Nepal and India, says Janga Bahadur Malla, Senior Vice-President, CCI, Kanchanpur.

In his inaugural address, the Chief Minister of Uttarakhand Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed his state’s willingness to establish and enhance Indo-Nepal tourism and trade ties.

FNCCI President Bhawani Rana also expressed hope that such fairs would promote Nepali products in the global market.

Nepali State Minister of Commerce Nar Bahadur Chand opined that the fest will strengthen both the nations.

The fair began on February 2, 2018 and lasts till February 8, 2018.

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Termed as a goodwill visit, this bilateral visit is being considered as a welcoming message for the start of India’s cordial relations with the Communist-led Government of Nepal that is yet to be formed.

As part of the visit, Swaraj called on the President of Nepal Bidya Devi Bhandari and also held discussions with a wide range of high-level Nepali politicians including CPN-UML Chairman K P Sharma Oli, CPN-MC Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Chairman of Nepal’s Federal Socialist Forum Upendra Yadav, among others.

During the discussions, Swaraj assured Indian Government’s full-fledged support to Nepal in its development and also in taking ahead bilateral ties between both the nations.

“Exchange of views on advancing our multi-dimensional relationship took place,” tweeted Raveesh Kumar, Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson.

In a one-one discussion with Dahal, Swaraj said, “We will extend full cooperation to Nepal in attaining political stability and development.”

In response, Dahal reportedly said, “The talks we had were very positive and constructive. We discussed about the situation emerging after the conclusion of the elections and the preparation for formation of new government. Swaraj assured that India will extend full cooperation to Nepal in her efforts towards attaining political stability and development.”

Meanwhile, the Communist Alliance is currently busy in preparing for the formation of new Nepali Government, post which, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also most likely to visit the Himalayan nation (according to CPN-UML).

“Modi telephoned Oli twice and both leaders invited each other for a visit to their countries,” informed CPN-UML Secretary Pradip Gyawali.

Gyawali also informed that the formation of Communist-led new Nepal Government and proposed unification of both the left parties will be completed by March 2018.

India’s Aid to Nepal

In an interesting update that boosts Indo-Nepal ties, India has almost doubled its financial allocation to Nepal for 2018-19 in its annual Union Budget unveiled on February 01, 2018.

Out of Rs 15, 011 crore budget of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Nepal has been allocated a sum of Rs 650 crore for FY 2018-19 more than the previous year’s value of Rs 375 crore.

“The budgetary increase indicates it is likely to cover the earthquake reconstruction fund that was in the pipeline for some time and was discussed with the Nepalese leaders,” former Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae said in a statement.

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This meeting gains significance in view of the fact that Nepal is seeing a long-waited political transformation in the form of recently-concluded general elections.

As the country is progressing towards its new government led by the Communist Alliance, Nepali EPG delegation, led by its Convener Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, are on a two-day trip to New Delhi for bilateral consultations with the Indian side.

Prior to this, Nepal’s EPG team also held separate discussions with the top leaders of the three major political parties including Sher Bahadur Deuba (NC), Khadga Prasad Oli (CPN) and Pushpa Kumar Dahal (CPN-MC).

In the meeting, Deuba has reportedly inquired about India’s stand on various issues pertaining to Indo-Nepal ties.

Nepal-India EPG was formed during the then Nepali PM Dr Baburam Bhattarai’s  India visit in October 2011.

Following that, during the recent visit of Indian PM Narendra Modi to Nepal  in July 2014, the two sides agreed to form the EPG of four members each with tenure of two years.

The EPG members have been mandated to come up with a joint document with recommendations based on their regular meetings in order to resolve all the contentious issues between the two countries.

According to Rajan Bhattarai, an EPG member from Nepal, both the sides have held discussions on various challenging issues between the two countries covering the 1950 Nepal-India Peace and Friendship Treaty, utilization of hydro resources, border management and issues related to trade and transit.

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In this regard, Nepal promised relaxation in infrastructure, tax structure, redressal of single window grievances, special rights and exemptions to facilitate ways for the Indian business community.

“It’s an opportune time to invest in Nepal with bilateral trade on the upswing and we assure the Indian industry that our government would provide all possible support to investors,” Embassy of Nepal Charge d’Affairs Bharat Kumar Regmi.

Regmi said this in his address at the Indo-Nepal Trade and Investment Opportunities seminar organized by the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in Mumbai on December 21, 2017, with an aim to encourage economic and business cooperation between the two countries.

Krishna Hari Pushkar, Minister(Economic), Government of Nepal, highlighted Nepal’s potential in infrastructure, hydro-power, tourism, agro-based industries, mining and minerals, education, health, manufacturing, IT and construction sectors.

Cultural counsellor from the Nepal Embassy Krishna Prasad Pantha called on stressed on the need for strengthening of people-to-people and cultural ties between the two countries.

India Should Rethink

Meanwhile, in another statement, the Communist Party of India (CPI)-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury felt that India need to rethink on its bilateral relations with Nepal following the victory of Communist Alliance in the recently-concluded Nepali parliamentary and provincial polls.

“The important political development in Nepal should lead to a re-thinking and change in India’s attitude to Nepal. The Modi-led Indian Government should strive to establish close relations of cooperation based on equality and non-interference in the internal affairs of Nepal.” said the Indian CPI-M leader.

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In a move boosting Indo-Nepal ties, officials of both the countries gathered for the fifth meeting of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) meeting that began on October 07, 2017 and concluded today.

The 1950 Nepal-India Treaty of Peace and Friendship was one of the key issues discussed, wherein, the Nepali side sought changes in the treaty claiming that ‘things would not be the same’.

Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, Coordinator of EPG from the Nepali side, informed that the group would
re-assess the developments that took place so far and make necessary recommendations to ‘either replace the treaty or to put in place something new’.

“As we have said this treaty will not remain the same, it does not matter however you name it-amendment or replacement,” says Nilambar Acharya, another EPG member representing Nepali side.

According to Thapa, the two sides discussed in detail about the issues Nepal has with the treaty. “Talks were very positive even on some complex issues,” said Thapa.

Besides, the two sides also discussed border issues with a special emphasis on border management and regulations related to cross-border travel, checking of identity proofs, among others.

“Talks were held on overall border management based on international norms by keeping in mind
that everyday lives of the people residing in border areas should not be affected,” informed another EPG member Rajan Bhattarai.

Bhattarai further informed that the discussions were also held on trade and transit, wherein, Nepal’s trade with third countries, issues related to bilateral trade, trade facilitation, port facilities and security were also discussed.

“There are no major differences on trade and transit, and we are close to agreement,” he added.

The next round of EPG meeting will be held in New Delhi on November 11-12, 2017.

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