Modi in Nepal: 'My visit was historic, it gave me great opportunity to connect with wonderful people'
Before the political blitzkrieg began, PM Modi paid a visit to iconic Muktinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple. The prime minister will conclude the visit with a civic reception in the evening before heading back to New Delhi.
On day 2 of his crucial Nepal visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held meetings with key political leaders of the neighbouring country, including opposition leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and former Foreign Affair Minister of Nepal Upendra Yadav along with a meeting with Rastriya Janata Party Nepal.
Before the political blitzkrieg began, PM Modi paid a visit to iconic Muktinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple. The prime minister will conclude the visit with a civic reception in the evening before heading back to New Delhi.
As it happened:
4:40 pm: My Nepal visit was historic. It gave me a great opportunity to connect with the wonderful people of Nepal: PM Modi
4:35 pm: PM Modi leaves for India
3:45 pm: Today we are connected by cricket as a Nepali boy is a part of Indian Premier League (IPL). This connection with cricket will strengthen our people to people ties & I hope there are more sports through which we can connect: PM Narendra Modi in Kathmandu
3:40 pm: India has taken the lead in mitigating the menace of climate change. The International Solar Alliance has brought together nations from across the world: PM Modi
3:38 pm: Kathmandu is a mixture of the ancient & the modern. This city showcases the culture of Nepal. There is something unique about the beauty of Kathmandu. Once I find the time I will make it a point to visit Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha: PM Narendra Modi in Kathmandu
3:32 pm: PM Narendra Modi was presented souvenirs at a civic felicitation program in Rastriya Sabha Griha in Kathmandu.
3:30 pm: Kathmandu is not only the capital of our neighbouring country but is a world in itself. It has a history of its own which dates back to centuries: PM Narendra Modi in Kathmandu
3:25 pm: Mayor of Kathmandu Bidya Sundar Shakya presented key of the city to PM Narendra Modi at a civic felicitation program in Rastriya Sabha Griha in Kathmandu, Nepal
3:20 pm: PM Narendra Modi at a civic felicitation program in Rastriya Sabha Griha in Kathmandu, Nepal
02:30 pm: Prime Minister KP Oli confirmed that Nepal will hold the BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation) summit this year. and also expressed commitments towards BBIN (Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal) initiative: Foreign Secy Vijay Gokhale
02:15 pm: Nepal PM KP Oli reiterated that Nepal will be sensitive to our concerns and that Nepal's territory will not be allowed to be used by anybody against India. PM Modi reciprocated the sentiments: Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale in Nepal
01:20 pm: PM Narendra Modi met Mahantha Thakur, along with other members of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) in Kathmandu
01:15 pm: PM Narendra Modi met Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda', former Prime Minister of Nepal in Kathmandu
12:45 pm: Engaging across the political spectrum! President of Nepali Congress and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other members of the Nepali Congress called on PM @narendramodi in Kathmandu. Stronger India-Nepal relations enjoy broad political support: MEA
11:30 am: PM reaches Kathmandu's Pashupatinath Temple to offer prayers
10:13 am:
08:50 am:
08:20 am:
08:00 am:
Watch video: PM Modi offers prayers at Muktinath Dham
On Friday, PM Modi visited Janakpur, where he announced 100 crore package for the upkeep of the religious town, along with launching a direct bus service from Ayodhya to Janakpur. He was accompanied by his counterpart Khadga Prasad Oli.
The two leaders also addressed a joint press meet after a one-on-one meeting with Oli which was followed by marathon delegation-level talks during which the two sides had an extensive discussion on all aspects of the bilateral relationship.
"India supports a united, prosperous and strong Nepal," Modi asserted after Oli in his remarks said that Nepal's desire is to create a strong relationship underpinned by the mutual trust so that it is not affected by any "occasional or intermittent differences that are natural between neighbours."
Oli was apparently referring to the strain in bilateral ties after the adoption of a new Constitution by Nepal in 2015 that divided Nepal into seven provincial units and marginalised Madhesis, who are largely of Indian-origin and inhabitants of the Terai.
The move triggered a six-month-long agitation, from September 2015 to February 2016, during Oli's first tenure in which more than 50 people were killed. The agitation had also crippled the land-locked country's economy as supplies from India were blocked.
The two leaders claimed that they have put 'misunderstanding' behind them successfully.