New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba on Saturday jointly inaugurates the Solu Corridor 132 KV Power Transmission Line and Substation in Nepal built under the Government of India's Line of Credit.
With this, Nepal has officially joined the International Solar Alliance.
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In Delhi, PM Narendra Modi and Nepal PM Sher Bahadur Deuba also jointly flagged off the inaugural run of the cross-border passenger train services between Jaynagar (India) and Kurtha (Nepal).
Talking about his Nepalese counterpart in a joint statement, PM Modi said, "Deuba ji is an old friend of India. As the Prime Minister, this is his fifth visit to India. He has played an important role in developing India-Nepal relations. The friendship between India and Nepal, the relation between our people - such an example can't be seen anywhere else in the world."
"India has been a firm companion in Nepal's journey of peace, prosperity, and development. It will always remain so," he added.
Prime Minister Modi and Nepal PM held delegation-level talks at Hyderabad House in the national capital.
Speaking about the meeting, Modi said, "We discussed various aspects of our cooperation, reviewed the progress of various projects, and also discussed the blueprint of the future. Both of us agree that we must reap the benefits of the opportunities for cooperation in the power sector."
"Our Joint Vision Statement on Power Cooperation will prove to be the blueprint of cooperation, in the future," he added.
According to PM Modi, both leaders also expressed agreement on more participation of Indian companies in Nepal's hydropower development projects. "It is a matter of happiness that Nepal is exporting its surplus power to India. This will make positive contributions to the economic development of Nepal," he said.
He further stated, "I am delighted to announce that several more proposals for importing power from Nepal are being approved. I am happy that Nepal has become a member of the International Solar Alliance. This will promote sustainable, affordable & clean energy in our region."
On the launch of the RuPay card in Nepal, PM Modi said it will add a new chapter to our financial connectivity
Documents and MoUs were signed and exchanged between India and Nepal in the presence of both Prime Ministers today.
"Wide-ranging talks on our multifaceted partnership are on the agenda," MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.
India and Nepal have finalised four pacts to expand ties in areas such as railways and energy.
It is Deuba's first bilateral visit abroad after becoming prime minister in July last year for a fifth time following a spell of political turmoil in Kathmandu.
Nepal is important for India in the context of its overall strategic interests in the region, and the leaders of the two countries have often noted the age-old relationship.
(With Inputs From Agencies)