Kathmandu. The top-level diplomatic officials of Nepal and India have committed to taking centuries-old Nepal -India relations to a new height by deepening mutual trusts and cooperation to best suit the 21st century. Such a commitment was made in the foreign secretary-level meeting held here after a gap of almost one year.

Likewise, at a different program on Thursday itself, India has committed to firmly strengthen bilateral relations that is linked to historical and human civilizations. After handing over 2,000 vile remdisiver injections to Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali at the ministry, Indian External Affairs Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said that the secretary-level meeting and the talks with Minister Gyawali were fruitful. “We reviewed the issues of bilateral cooperation and discussed different areas of mutual interests. We are committed to further deepening and strengthening relations with Nepal,” the Indian External Affairs Secretary said.

He shared that during the meeting an agreement was made to forward the projects of mutual benefits to further bolster bilateral cooperation and collaborations as per the will of the political leaderships of both the countries.

Stating that the meeting was fruitful with relevant discussions, Secretary Shringla informed that they also exchanged views on wide range of issues surrounding the bilateral ties between India and Nepal.

He said, “We appreciated the progress achieved in the bilateral projects and agreed to step up efforts to advance mutual cooperation.”

During the meeting with Minister Gyawali and secretary Paudyal, Shringla said that he had reaffirmed the commitment of the Indian government to support Nepal’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 and said that the vaccine to be developed in India would be provided to Nepal and other neighboring countries with topmost priority.

The visiting Indian foreign secretary added that the meeting stressed on bilateral, regional and international cooperation and collaboration to tide over the Coronavirus infection.

He also mentioned that the bilateral trade relation activities and all the supplies of essential items had taken place unabatedly even during the lockdown, he clarified that he was ready to work closely with the Nepali authorities to make Indo-Nepal relation more dynamic.

Minister Gyawali opined that Shringla’s visit was helpful in further strengthening Indo-Nepal ties and said the meeting had laid a basis for enabling an environment of trust to address the disputed issues between the two countries.

Minister Gyawali extended his gratitude to the government of India for generously providing Remdesivir injection against COVID-19 and viewed that it would be very useful to save previous lives here.

On the occasion, issues related to multifaceted Indo-Nepal relations were discussed.  Issues concerned with security, border, trade, energy, infrastructure development, water resources, EPG reports among others were discussed in delegation level meeting today.

Nepali side had focused on not affecting developmental projects due to border issues, forwarding the construction of information and communication technology, inter country communication network and integrated check posts, ICT among other issues.

Nepali side also had urged Indian side to support in the construction of integrated check post in Bhairahawa.   It is stated that the Indian side had positively responded to Nepal’s proposal over the issue.   Indian side is developing integrated check posts along the Indo-Nepal border keeping all issues related to immigration and customs aimed at easing the bilateral trades.   Such integrated check posts have come into operation in Raxaul, Biratnagar and Jogbani.

The meeting is expected to further harmonize Indo-Nepal relations placated due to border disputes in Lipulek, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura areas. (RSS)