Jaishankar’s Smiles From Start to Finish in Nepal

India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar, is often noted for his reserved demeanor, rarely displaying a smile. Being an introvert, he usually keeps to himself. However, during his recent visit to Nepal, a noticeable change in his disposition was observed.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, on a two-day official visit to Nepal at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart, Foreign Minister NP Saud, was seen sporting a faint smile from the moment he landed in Kathmandu to the farewell scene upon his departure. This change in demeanor seems to reflect the joy stemming from the strategic agreement reached between the two nations during their visit to Nepal. The relationship between India and Nepal holds significant social and cultural ties, evident in the warm welcome and camaraderie extended to Jaishankar during his stay.

Expressing his happiness and excitement about his first foreign visit to Nepal in 2024, especially on English New Year, Jaishankar took to the social network to share his sentiments. Shortly after landing at Tribhuvan International Airport, he posted, “Namaste Kathmandu! Happy to be back in Nepal for my first visit of 2024. Looking forward to the engagements over the next two days.”

नमस्ते काठमाडौँ

Happy to be back in Nepal for my first visit of 2024.

Looking forward to the engagements over the next two days. pic.twitter.com/YMddPDbkwk

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) January 4, 2024

Similarly, when he visited Nepal, there was anticipation that he would be welcomed at the airport by Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal. However, to everyone’s surprise, Foreign Minister Saud himself reached the airport to extend both the welcome and farewell. It is a rare occurrence for many countries to receive and bid farewell to a visiting country’s counterpart, regardless of how high-ranking the officials are. On the contrary, Jaishankar’s smile seemed to reflect a blend of joy from the respect and hospitality he experienced from the Nepali side during both the welcome and farewell ceremonies.

Jaishankar returned home on Friday after successfully concluding his visit to Nepal. Throughout his stay, various crucial bilateral agreements and memorandums were exchanged between the two nations.

His visit to Nepal on Thursday was primarily for participating in the seventh meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the meeting extensively reviewed all aspects of bilateral cooperation, including development partnerships. Following the Joint Commission meeting, various memorandums of understanding were exchanged between the two countries in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of India and Nepal.

During the meeting, there was commendation for the achievements in all areas of bilateral cooperation since the sixth meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission held in January 2021.

In the meeting, a new agreement was reached between India and Nepal for the implementation of high-impact community development projects in Nepal. In the revised agreement, the budget limit for these projects has been increased from 50 million rupees to 200 million rupees.

Simultaneously, an agreement has been signed between the Governments of India and Nepal for long-term energy trade. According to this agreement, the quantity of electricity exported from Nepal to India will be increased to 10,000 megawatts over the next ten years. Both parties have committed to adopting all necessary measures to promote mutually beneficial investments in Nepal’s hydropower generation sector and transmission infrastructure. It is anticipated that this agreement will result in a significant advancement in Nepal’s energy trade, contributing billions to the national economy upon its completion.

Similarly, a Launch Service Agreement has been signed between NewSpace India Limited and Nepal Science and Technology Pragya Foundation for the Munal satellite, which is manufactured by the Nepal Science and Technology Pragya Foundation. This satellite, created by Nepali students, will be launched using an Indian launch rocket at no cost.

Furthermore, a Memorandum of Understanding has been established between India’s NTPC Limited and Nepal Electricity Authority to facilitate cooperation in renewable energy development. This MoU aims to formulate a blueprint for collaboration between NTPC Limited and Nepal Electricity Authority in the field of renewable energy.

During the same event, the Foreign Ministers jointly inaugurated three 132 kV international transmission lines connecting India and Nepal. These include the second circuit of the Raxaul-Parwanipur transmission line, the second circuit of the Kataiya-Kushaha line, and the new Nautanwa-Mainhia line.

Similarly, in the presence of both ministers, the fifth phase of relief materials provided by the Government of India for the earthquake victims of Jajarkot was handed over to the Government of Nepal. The relief materials include 200 prefab houses, 1,200 blankets, 150 tarps, and 2,000 sleeping bags for people affected by the earthquake. Out of the 200 prefab houses, 20 were handed over during the program, and the remaining houses will be distributed in different stages over the next few weeks.

Additionally, the Indian Foreign Minister announced that the Indian government will provide financial assistance of around 10 billion rupees to aid in the reconstruction after the recent earthquake in Jajarkot. A significant portion of this assistance will be provided as grant aid.

During the visit, Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr. Jaishankar had separate courtesy meetings with President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda.’ He also held separate meetings with Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli, and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal. Additionally, there was a meeting between EAM and LSP Chair Mahanta Thakur, JSP Chair Upendra Yadav, and Janamat Party Chairman Chandrakant Raut.

According to the Indian Embassy in Nepal, bilateral matters of mutual interest were discussed in all the meetings. Foreign Minister Saud also hosted a dinner yesterday in honor of EAM Dr. Jaishankar.

On the second day of the visit, both foreign ministers jointly inaugurated 59 post-earthquake reconstruction projects in the fields of education, health, and culture. These projects include the new building of the Tribhuvan University Central Library, constructed with the assistance of the Government of India.

During the visit, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar performed puja at the Pashupatinath temple and planted a Rudraksha plant in the temple premises. In Pashupatinath, he mentioned that he prayed for the well-being of the people of both countries, sharing his prayers on the social network ‘X.’

Nepal is India’s preferred partner under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. According to the Indian side, this visit aligns with the tradition of maintaining high-level exchanges between the two close and friendly neighbors.