Nepal has sought additional assistance from India in various sectors for its reconstruction process.
On Sunday, Nepal Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and discussed about getting more money, expertise and assistance from India for the Himalayan country that faced devastation following a strong earthquake last year.
Poudel’s visit to New Delhi is also to prepare groundwork for Nepalese Prime Minister KP Oli’s visit to India on February 20.Both India and Nepal are hoping for some “concrete outcomes” and rejuvenation of ties during PM Oli’s visit next week.
“Moving forward our engagement with Nepal. EAM @SushmaSwaraj meets with Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel FM Poudel discusses reconstruction assistance. Briefs EAM on political situation, remaining constitutional issues & PM Oli’s visit to India,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup tweeted on Sunday.
For the reconstruction process India has already promised financial assistance in the form of a grant of $250 million and a loan of $750 million to Nepal following the earthquake last year. However, Poudel sought some additional assistance from India for the housing projects for the people impacted by the earthquake.
Poudel also briefed Swaraj about the recent political developments and Constitution amendments by the Nepali Parliament. “We are prepared to address remaining issues through intense dialogue,”Poudel told Swaraj, sources said. He appreciated India’s role in Nepal’s journey to democracy, and Constitution set up and peacemaking.
According to sources, Swaraj conveyed Poudel that India is all for the development of Nepal and it will be always ready to extend assistance to it despite the odds. She also urged the Minister to see that all `remaining issues are resolved at the earliest” through reconciliation and peaceful methods. India has urged Nepal to resolve all issues with the agitating Madhesi groups through dialogue and in an atmosphere without violence.
Apart from political discussions Poudel sought India’s assistance in construction of Terai roads and development of railway infrastructure in the country. Besides, Nepal also wants Indian help in the energy sector. Poudel sought India’s assistance in setting up three power projects - Pancheswar, Uppar Karnali and Arun 3 -- within Nepal. In agriculture and animal husbandry sector, Nepal wants India’s help in the Mahakali irrigation project, cow breeding and farming technology. Poudel also sought cooperation in education, culture, traditional medicines and pharmaceutical sectors.
Trade and transportation issues were also discussed at length and in this connection Poudel sought easing up of import export with Nepal. Nepal has sought India’s help in setting up of Special Economic Zones in its country.
On Swaraj’s concerns with regard to security and drug smuggling through the porous India-Nepal borders, Poudel said: “Nepal respects legitimate concerns of India and will step of security measures to prevent terrorism, counterfeit notes smuggling, besides strengthening border security.”