Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal Briefs National Assembly on India Visit

Kathmandu. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has given detailed information about his recent two-day visit to India to the National Assembly. Speaking at the National Assembly meeting held on Thursday, he clarified that high-level discussions were held on trade, energy, connectivity, water resources, border management, security, and expansion of people-to-people relations between the two countries during the visit. Foreign Minister Khanal informed the parliament that three important joint declarations were made between Nepal and India during the visit. These include the launch of cross-border person-to-person (P2P) digital payment service, handover of health and cultural structures reconstructed with the support of the Indian government, and cooperation in the development of digital infrastructure for language translation. He also informed about a special meeting with India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, stating that in-depth discussions were held on common security concerns, border management, and various aspects of strategic cooperation. Speaking in parliament about the achievements and agenda of his India visit, he said, 'Concrete discussions were held on issues such as trade and economic cooperation, connectivity, energy partnership, water resource management, common security, border management, sports, and enhancement of people-to-people relations during bilateral talks. Both sides have expressed commitment to further strengthen bilateral relations. Furthermore, views were exchanged on various regional and international issues. A significant discussion was also held on reviewing the progress of projects being operated in bilateral cooperation between Nepal and India and on ways to make them more effective.' Foreign Minister Khanal claimed that this visit was fruitful in line with the government's policy of further strengthening relations with friendly neighboring countries. He clarified to the National Assembly that the current government is fully committed to protecting Nepal's sovereignty, territorial integrity, national independence, and self-reliance, as well as protecting the security and rights of Nepali citizens, and promoting overall national interest.