Question : Visit of Nepalese PM

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Nepal Prime Minister visited India recently and if so, the details of discussions held, agreements signed and areas identified for cooperation between the two countries;

(b) whether the Nepal imbroglio relating to Madhesis has since been resolved and if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to improve bilateral/trade relations with Nepal;

(c) whether the issue regarding providing protection to Indians companies/properties, etc. also came under deliberation during the said visit; and

(d) if so, the details and outcome thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

(a) The Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli paid a State visit to India from 19 to 24 February 2016. During the visit, he met with Hon’ble Rashtrapatiji, Vice President and Prime Minister and other senior GoI dignitaries. Wide ranging discussions on diverse aspects of the bilateral relations were held during the visit. Prime Minister Oli also visited the Tehri hydropower project, post earthquake reconstruction sites in Bhuj, and held meetings in Mumbai. The following bilateral documents were signed:

• MoU on utilization of US$ 250 million Grant component of GOI’s Assistance package for Post-earthquake reconstruction assistance.
• MoU on strengthening of road infrastructure in the Terai area of Nepal.
• MoU between Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
• Letters of Exchange on Transit Routes: (i) Transit between Nepal and Bangladesh through Kakarbitta-Banglabandh corridor (ii) Operationalization of Vishakhapatnam Port.
• Letters of Exchange on Rail Transport: (i) Rail transport to/from Vishakhapatnam (ii) Rail transit facility through Singhabad for Nepal’s Trade with and through Bangladesh

Further, the Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar transmission line was inaugurated. The establishment of an Eminent Persons Group (EPG) comprising four members from each country was announced.

(b) After the adoption of the Nepalese Constitution on 20 September, 2015, two Constitutional amendments were passed by the Parliament of Nepal on 23 January 2016. Government of India regarded them as positive developments and hoped that other outstanding issues would also be addressed similarly in a constructive spirit. Following the suspension of the agitation at the border posts by the Madhes-based parties in early February 2016, trade flow through the Raxaul Birgunj crossing has commenced.

India and Nepal have maintained regular contacts, including at high political level. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kamal Thapa, visited India twice (17–19 October 2015 and from 30 November–2 December 2015) followed by visit of the Minister of Finance Mr. Bishnu Poudel (7–9 February 2016) and the State visit of Prime Minister Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli (from 19–24 February 2016). India has always stood for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal and will continue to extend all assistance in accordance with the aspirations of the people of Nepal for socio–economic development of the country.

(c) & (d) The entire gamut of bilateral relations, including security issues, was reviewed during Prime Minister Oli’s visit. The Government of India continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard Indian interests in Nepal.