Indian Foreign Secretary Misri Meets Nepal’s Foreign Minister Deuba, Discusses Bilateral Cooperation

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri paid a courtesy visit to Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, at the Foreign Ministry in Singha Durbar today. The meeting focused on various aspects of bilateral relations, economic and development cooperation, and ongoing projects between the two countries.

During the discussions, Minister Dr. Rana highlighted the need for additional air routes to expand Nepal-India air connectivity. She also brought up India’s initiative to establish a laboratory for testing the quality of vegetables and fruits imported through the border areas.

The progress on the Pancheshwar Project was another key topic, with both sides agreeing that most issues had been resolved and the remaining challenges would be addressed by the technical group. Minister Dr. Rana also requested India’s assistance in releasing water into the irrigation canal from the Tanakpur dam and in controlling floods and reducing risks in the Banganga, Khando, and Rapti rivers.

Additionally, she raised the topic of inaugurating an RCC bridge over the Mahakali River in Darchula and emphasized the importance of continuing trade and transit talks between the two nations. Dr. Rana also expressed her gratitude to the Government of India for its rescue efforts and support for the earthquake-affected people in Jajarkot.