President Pranab Mukherjee will be on a three-day ‘goodwill’ visit to Nepal from November 2 to 4 on a ‘friendly invitation’ by his counterpart Bidya Devi Bhandari.
This is the first time in the last 18 years that an Indian President is visiting Nepal, the last time being in 1998 by the then President KR Narayanan.
Though the visit will not see any major announcements, Mukherjee's travel to Kathmandu will be utilised by both Governments to strengthen the relations that saw a dip in warmth last year after Nepal promulgated its Constitution.
The bilateral ties between the two countries have improved under the new Prime Minister Pushp Kamal Dahal RsPrachanda'. Prachanda's Government has expressed commitment to make amends in the Constitution that had left a large section of the Nepalese population dissatisfied, and fast track post earthquake rehabilitation projects — a couple of things that India has been insisting on.
Apart from ceremonial receptions, lunches and dinners, Mukherjee will also deliver a speech at a seminar of Niti Anusandhan Pratisthan, Nepal, and India Foundation. The Kathmandu University will confer an honorary degree on the President. Apart from his official engagements, Mukherjee will also perform puja at the famed Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu and Janaki temple in Janakpur. The Janaki temple has a deep historic connection with India as every year during Ramleela, devotees take Ram Barat from Ayodhya to Janakpur. He will also visit Pokhara.
“President has had long involvement with the people of Nepal... During his Presideny, he has also received several of the top Nepalese leadership in the Rashtrapati Bhawan,” said Rajamony Venu, Press Secretary to the President.
Sources said the visit will serve as an opportunity for the two sides to review the progress made on certain important commitments by both countries. India is keen that Nepal utilises the amount it has set aside for the earthquake rehabilitation and rebuilding programmes.
In fact, this was also one the major issues in the domestic politics of Nepal. In the housing sector, India has committed to give 100 million dollars of grant assistance for 50 thousand households in Nepal. Sources said that there has been some fast-paced action happening on this now and Nepal has handed over a list of beneficiaries to India recently. Nepal is likely to share exact proposals on the housing sector which will be expedited from New Delhi end.
“Government of Nepal has granted first tranche to different households in the affected area and there also we are trying to work and put in place the implementation modalities to ensure that the assistance that we provide is utilized effectively by the beneficiary household in the areas affected,” said Sudhakar Dalela, Joint Secretary (North) in Ministry of External Affairs.