Oli, Modi talk Nepal-India cooperation
KATHMANDU: Visiting Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli this evening met his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence in New Delhi.
Although the meeting between the two prime ministers was originally planned for tomorrow, PM Modi invited Oli to his residence for a ‘courtesy meeting’ that lasted 90 minutes or so, Oli’s Press Adviser Kundan Aryal, who is part of the Nepali delegation, told THT over the phone from New Delhi.
Briefing the Nepali delegation after the meeting, Oli said the two leaders held ‘serious discussions’ on how to achieve Nepal’s goal of prosperity and development through Nepal-India cooperation, according to Aryal. “Given any misunderstanding between us have already been eliminated, the talks took place in a very cordial and harmonious environment,” Aryal quoted the PM as saying.
Following the meeting, Modi tweeted: “Delighted to meet the Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli.”
Earlier in the day, the PM also met a delegation of Indian National Congress led by party President Rahul Gandhi at Rashtrapati Bhawan, where Oli is staying as the state guest of the government of India. The INC delegation included former Indian PM Manmohan Singh. Separately, Janata Dal (United) leader Sharad Yadav and India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval also called on Oli.
They dwelt on Nepal-India relations, as well as historic ties between the political leadership of the two countries.
Prior to meeting Modi, Oli also addressed members of the Nepali community at the Embassy of Nepal in New Delhi.
Following his meeting with Modi, Oli attended a dinner at the Nepali Embassy, which was also attended by the Indian political leadership, ministers, government officials, diplomatic community in New Delhi and the intellectual circle.
On his first foreign visit after his election as the country’s prime minister, Oli reached New Delhi this morning at the invitation of Modi for a three-day state visit.
Oli was received by Minister of Home Affairs of India Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Finance Shiv Pratap Shukla at the Indira Gandhi International Airport.
The PM is leading a 54-member delegation, including ministers, secretaries, government officials and businesspersons, to India. He is also accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya.
Tomorrow, Oli is scheduled to attend the ceremonial reception and inspect the guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. He will then call on Indian President Ram Nath Kovind.
India’s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will call on Oli before he leaves for Rajghat to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi.
Oli will then hold delegation-level meeting with Modi, who will be hosting a banquet luncheon in honour of the visiting Nepali PM and his delegation at Hyderabad House.
Both the prime ministers will remotely inaugurate the Integrated Check Post in Birgunj, which will be followed by a joint press conference.
In the afternoon, Oli will call on India’s Vice-president M Venkaiah Naidu at the latter’s official residence. The day’s engagements will be over after Rajnath Singh calls on Oli at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
On Sunday, Oli will attend a programme at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand, where he will be conferred Honorary Degree of Doctor of Science.
Oli will return home the same evening on a Nepal Airlines flight.
(UPDATED)
PM Oli meets Indian counterpart Modi
KATHMANDU: Visiting Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today held a personal-level meeting with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi at the latter’s official residence at 7, Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.
Although the scheduled formal meeting between the two prime ministers was slated for Saturday, Prime Minister Oli who is in a three day state visit to India paid a visit to Prime Minister of India, a day earlier.
Similarly, PM Oli is expected to attend a dinner hosted by Nepali Embassy in Indian capital, with diplomatic community, political figures and Indian government officials among others.
Details to follow:
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