Indian Foreign Secretary Misri Meets DPM Singh, Discusses Urban Development and Cross-Border Projects

On the second and final day of his official visit to Nepal, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid a courtesy call on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh. The meeting, held at the Deputy Prime Minister’s office in Singha Durbar, centered around urban development, waste management, and sanitation issues, with a particular focus on the restoration of the Bagmati and Bishnumati Rivers.

During the discussions, Deputy Prime Minister Singh highlighted the ongoing Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission and the efforts to clean up the Ganga River in India, noting that India’s experience and technology in these areas could greatly benefit Nepal. He called for enhanced collaboration between the two nations to address similar challenges in Nepal, particularly in improving urban cleanliness and sanitation.

The conversation also touched on the inconveniences faced by Nepali citizens during trans-border movement between Nepal and India. Deputy Prime Minister Singh specifically requested India’s assistance in constructing a suspension bridge over the Mahakali River, which would ease cross-border travel and strengthen connectivity between the two countries.

Expressing gratitude, Singh thanked the Indian government for its continuous support to Nepal, particularly in infrastructure development and during crises such as the earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting also explored potential Indian support for Nepal’s broader urban development initiatives.

According to Maniram Gelal, Secretary of the Urban Development Ministry, Nepal proposed that India facilitate the construction of bridges along rivers on the Nepal-India border as part of its mission to replace traditional tuine (rope bridges). The Indian side responded positively to this proposal, indicating a willingness to support these infrastructure improvements.

Foreign Secretary Misri reassured that India stands with Nepal in its efforts to achieve peace, stability, and prosperity. His visit, which began on Sunday, came at the cordial invitation of Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, Sewa Lamsal, and included a series of high-level meetings aimed at further strengthening the bilateral ties between the two neighboring countries.