Kathmandu, May 24

Indian Ambassador Manjeev Singh Puri said India wanted to become a partner in Nepal’s quest for infrastructure development and economic progress.

Dubbing Indo-Nepal relations as a special one, he said bilateral ties between the two countries were deep-rooted and went beyond the realm of politics, economy and culture. “Even our Gods and Goddesses are closely connected,” he said while speaking at Reporter’s Club today.

Ambassador Puri refused to comment on Nepal’s politics, including the local level elections.

When asked how India views Madhesi political forces’ hesitation to take part in the second phase of local level elections, the envoy said, “We always wish to see that it be happened in as much inclusive as possible manner.” The second phase of the local level elections is scheduled for June 14 in Provinces 1, 2, 5 and 7.

The Indian envoy said India had become part of many connectivity projects in Nepal — including railways, roadways, integrated check-posts and electricity transmission lines. He also admitted that some projects had failed to meet expectations due to the cumbersome bureaucratic process and issues of compensation.

“India wishes to be a partner in Nepal’s infrastructure development and economic progress,” he added. He also expressed confidence that bilateral ties between the two countries would further strengthen in the days to come.

Ambassador Puri praised the contribution of Nepali Gorkha soldiers of the Indian Army. Reiterating “neighbourhood first” policy of the Government of India, he termed the four high-level visits between the two countries in a span of eight months “unprecedented”.

Since September 2016, Nepal’s prime minister visited India twice and the presidents of both the neighbours paid a state visit to each other’s country.