Nepal’s Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba Highlights Successful India Visit, Outlines Future Bilateral Cooperation

Foreign Affairs Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has underscored the significant impact of her recent official visit to India, emphasizing that the trip played a crucial role in enhancing mutual goodwill and promoting cooperation between Nepal and India. Speaking at a meeting of the Parliament’s International Relations and Tourism Committee at Singha Durbar, Minister Rana shared details of her visit and expressed confidence that it has contributed to the further strengthening of the friendly, cooperative, and multifaceted relations between the two neighboring countries.

Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Minister Rana’s visit to India, which took place from August 18-22, came at the invitation of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. During her briefing, she highlighted the importance of the visit in reinforcing the existing ties between Nepal and India, noting that the discussions held provided a valuable guideline for expanding contacts at various levels and promoting mutual cooperation through established bilateral mechanisms.

She specifically mentioned the positive response received from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding an invitation for him to visit Nepal. “On behalf of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, I conveyed warm greetings and best wishes to the Indian Prime Minister and also formally handed to him an invitation that PM Oli had extended for a state visit to Nepal,” Minister Rana stated. She added that Prime Minister Modi happily acknowledged the invitation and responded positively to the prospect of visiting Nepal.

High-Level Meetings and Key Discussions

Minister Rana’s visit included a courtesy meeting with Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi on August 19, where the two leaders discussed the further consolidation of the friendly ties between Nepal and India. According to Minister Rana, the bilateral meeting with her Indian counterpart, S. Jaishankar, held at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, was particularly significant. The two foreign ministers explored various avenues for expanding cooperation in trade and transit, increasing the quantity of electricity exported from Nepal to India, enhancing cross-border connectivity, and encouraging Indian investment in Nepal.

Additionally, talks were held to address critical issues, such as granting more air routes to Nepal, mobilizing mechanisms to resolve flooding and inundation problems, and prioritizing the Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project. Discussions also covered collaboration in the sports sector, capacity enhancement of sportspersons, the construction of a cricket stadium at Phapla in Dhangadhi, and the expansion of border infrastructure.

Future Cooperation and Diplomacy

Minister Rana reiterated that the visit was successful in reaching agreements to maintain ongoing contacts at various levels through existing bilateral mechanisms. She emphasized that the government is committed to conducting international relations and diplomacy in alignment with Nepal’s foreign policy, which focuses on protecting and promoting national interests. This approach ensures that Nepal is effectively represented in international forums as specified by the Constitution and foreign policy directives.

Addressing lawmakers’ queries, Minister Rana assured that the government is determined to systematize the appointment of ambassadors, making the process more dignified, transparent, and based on capacity and performance. She highlighted the policy of appointing at least 50 percent of ambassadors from the Foreign Service, maintaining a balance between political appointees and career diplomats.

Upcoming Agreements and Initiatives

Minister Rana also informed the Committee of upcoming agreements with Oman on tourism, health, labor, and foreign affairs. Preparations for these agreements are underway, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding Nepal’s international partnerships and promoting the country’s interests abroad.

In conclusion, Minister Rana expressed her satisfaction with the outcomes of the India visit, asserting that it has laid a strong foundation for future cooperation and collaboration between Nepal and India. She affirmed the government’s dedication to fostering strong diplomatic relations and advancing Nepal’s national interests on the global stage.