Seventh Nepal-India Joint Commission Meeting Kicks Off

The seventh meeting of the Nepal-India Joint Commission commenced on Thursday afternoon at Hotel Yak and Yeti on Darbarmarg, marking a significant diplomatic milestone for the two neighboring nations. The meeting is co-chaired by Foreign Minister NP Saud of Nepal and his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar.

The agenda for the meeting includes discussions on over three dozen different matters of mutual interest and concern. Among the crucial topics are electricity, trade, mutual border issues, and air routes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that this meeting, taking place after three years, aims to strengthen bilateral ties and address various challenges faced by both nations.

Before the official commencement of the joint commission meeting, Nepal and India signed a long-term electricity trade agreement, underlining their commitment to fostering energy cooperation. Additionally, an agreement to increase the aid amount provided by India to Nepal is in the process of being finalized, further emphasizing the collaborative efforts between the two countries.

Immediately following the joint commission meeting, the foreign ministers of Nepal and India are scheduled to jointly inaugurate three transmission lines of 132 kVA, symbolizing a shared commitment to infrastructure development and connectivity.

Indian Foreign Minister Jaishankar arrived in Kathmandu earlier on Thursday morning to participate in the crucial diplomatic discussions. Prior to the joint commission meeting, Minister Jaishankar held courtesy meetings with President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, reflecting the diplomatic warmth between the leadership of the two nations.

The outcomes of the joint commission meeting are eagerly anticipated as they are expected to shape the trajectory of Nepal-India relations in the coming years, with a focus on resolving existing challenges and fostering enhanced cooperation in various sectors.