Foreign Minister S Jaishankar has brought Nepal on line with one of his tricks during his two-day visit. Nepal, which had left no stone unturned to instigate China against India and had created great bitterness in the relations between the two countries, is now remembering their age-old friendship and talking about making the relations closer. On Thursday, Jaishankar met separately with Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. During this, both the sides had extensive discussions on the centuries-old, unique and multi-dimensional Nepal-India relations. Jaishankar, who reached Nepal in the morning as part of his first foreign visit this year, met Prime Minister Prachanda at his office Singh Darbar and conveyed greetings to him on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.After the meeting, Jaishankar said in a post on social media platform ‘X’, “Met Prime Minister Prachanda. Sent hearty greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recalled his successful visit to India in June 2023, which has given new impetus to our relations.” He said, ”India-Nepal relations are truly special and our partnership is gradually moving towards success. Prachanda said that in today’s meeting, the two leaders widely exchanged views on the age-old, unique and multi-dimensional Nepal-India relations. Earlier, Jaishankar paid a courtesy call on President Paudel at the President’s Office Sheetal Niwas here. In another post on ‘X’, the External Affairs Minister said, “I am honored to meet Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel. Sent best wishes to him on behalf of President Draupadi Murmu. I value his guidance and sentiments for strengthening and expanding India-Nepal relations.
Jaishankar impressed everyone in one visit
A source in the Nepali Presidential Office said, “President Paudel stressed the need for partnership and cooperation in the areas of connectivity, mitigating the effects of climate change and hydropower between Nepal and India.” Jaishankar met former prime ministers in the evening. Sher Bahadur Deuba, KP Sharma Oli and Madhav Kumar met Nepal separately. He said in his post, “Felt happy to meet former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Discussed progress in India-Nepal relations. I appreciate his continued support for our growing partnership.” The minister described his meeting with Oli as ”good” and said they discussed India-Nepal bilateral cooperation. This also melted the ice of hatred created by China against India in the minds of the leaders.
Promotion of cricket in Nepal
Jaishankar also interacted with members of the Nepal cricket team. “Assured India’s support in their preparations,” he said in another post on ‘X’. Underlined our commitment to the development of cricket in Nepal.” Earlier, Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud warmly welcomed Jaishankar at the Tribhuvan International Airport here. Other senior officers were also present on this occasion. Jaishankar posted on ‘X’ after reaching Kathmandu this morning, “Happy to be in Nepal again as part of my first tour of 2024. Looking forward to participating in the programs to be held in the next two days.