Union External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said that India will be extending a financial package of USD 75 million to Nepal to help in the reconstruction of the infrastructure which was damaged by last year's earthquake. The External Affairs minister jointly inaugurated the Tribhuvan University Central Library and other reconstruction projects undertaken in Kathmandu after the 2015 earthquake in Nepal, along with his Nepalese counterpart NP Saud, as reported by news agency PTI.
During the event, he said that he was happy to celebrate the inauguration of this newly constructed library as well as 25 schools, 32 health projects and a cultural heritage sector project, undertaken to support Nepal in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake. He added that India was saddened to learn about the casualties and devastation that struck the western parts of Nepal last November.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed solidarity, the people and leadership of Nepal and had committed to extend all possible assistance. I also communicated yesterday (Thursday) to Prime Minister Prachanda (Pushapa Kamal) about our decision to extend the financial package of Nepalese rupees 1,000 crore which is USD 75 million for the reconstruction of infrastructure in these affected districts. We shall continue to stand by the people of Nepal and contribute to the efforts of the government of Nepal on this," the minister was quoted as saying by PTI.
He added, "We have been pleased to be part of these inputs as we contributed USD 1 billion in this regard, consisting of USD 250 million in grants and the remaining as a line of credit. I'm happy to know that with today's handing over of 25 schools and the inauguration of this very prestigious library, all the 71 projects being undertaken with reconstruction grants in the education sector have been completed and handed over to the government."
Jaishankar said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the Indian government is committed to redefining its relationship with partners in its neighbourhood, especially with Nepal. "The government of India is committed to moving forward on the ideals of sabka sath sabka vikas, sabka vishwas sabka prayas and take the friendly neighbouring countries, including Nepal, along with us in our development journey. Together, we will continue to cross more and more milestones in our relationship in the days to come," PTI quoted him as saying.