New Delhi: India and Nepal have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across a wide range of sectors. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal described India as Nepal’s “most important partner” and said his government attaches the highest priority to ties with New Delhi.
The remarks came during a meeting between India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal in New Delhi. The two leaders reviewed the progress of ongoing bilateral initiatives and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, digital infrastructure, education, healthcare, and cultural exchanges.
During the talks, Jaishankar emphasized the unique and enduring nature of India-Nepal relations, highlighting the deep people-to-people connections, shared cultural heritage, and longstanding historical ties between the two neighboring countries. He said there is an opportunity to take the relationship to a new level and fully realize its untapped potential.
Khanal reiterated Nepal’s commitment to maintaining strong and constructive relations with India, stating that Kathmandu views New Delhi as its most important development and strategic partner. He noted that the current government is focused on building a forward-looking partnership and enhancing cooperation in areas that contribute to economic growth and regional prosperity.
The discussions also covered collaboration in emerging sectors such as digital technology, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and capacity building. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of ongoing connectivity and infrastructure projects.
In addition, India and Nepal took steps to enhance cross-border digital payment connectivity, aimed at making remittances and financial transactions easier for citizens of both countries. The leaders also jointly inaugurated projects completed under India’s post-earthquake reconstruction assistance programme in Nepal.
Officials said the meeting reflected the shared commitment of both countries to further deepen cooperation and strengthen the longstanding friendship between India and Nepal.