Kathmandu, May 17
Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has urged India to provide additional air routes from
Mahendranagar, Nepalgunj, and Janakpur.
In delegation-level talks held with his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi in Lumbini on
Monday, Prime Minister Deuba requested additional air routes in order to facilitate
connectivity and travel between the two countries in view of the fact that the second
international airport – Gautam Buddha International Airport– was brought into commercial
operation in Bhairahawa.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister also proposed a long-term power trade agreement
between the two countries for mutual interest as both sides expressed satisfaction over the
progress in the Arun-III hydropower project, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the meeting, both the Prime Ministers emphasized the importance of hydropower for
clean energy, with abundant possibilities for collaboration in the hydroelectricity sector
between the two countries. Prime Minister Deuba on the occasion called for investment
proposals from companies interested in India to develop the West Seti Hydropower Project.
The two prime ministers also agreed to move forward with priority the Pancheshwar Project, says a press statement issued by the MoFA following the talks.
During the meeting, both sides prioritized increasing cooperation in the expansion of
connectivity and timely supply of fertilizer as well as reviewed the trade agreement.
The two leaders also discussed the issue of hydropower production, the development of
Buddhist and Ramayan circuits, educational support, and collaboration at regional and
multilateral forums on the issue of mutual interest.
Likewise, issues include the construction of the dry port, establishing an integrated check post at Chandani Dodhara, and construction of a bridge linking Purnagirimai of Uttarakhand of India and Parshudham of Dadeldhura were also discussed.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Deuba extended gratitude to PM Modi for India’s support in
the post-Gorkha earthquake reconstruction and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
(RSS)
