Mahottari, November 2:

Indian ambassador to Nepal Rakesh Sood today said Indian assistance to Nepal was determined by the friendly ties between the two countries and by no other means.

Addressing a gathering after laying the foundation stone for the construction of a building for Sukadev High School in Bhawanipatti today, Sood said India’s assistance in education, health, electricity, agriculture, and women development sectors of Nepal was not inspired by economic, historical, geographical, cultural and social bonding between the two countries but because of the friendly ties existing between the two countries for ages. Saying that India had invested Rs 22 billion in 300 small and big projects in Nepal, Sood urged officials concerned to complete the projects on time.

Speaking on the occasion, TMDP president Mahanta Thakur said the Indian assistance to the district had been increasing after the opening of Indian Consulate in Birgunj. The two-storied building with 12 rooms is being constructed with the investment of Rs 16.8 million and is expected to complete within a year.