Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a meeting with his Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on key issues including the political process in the Himalayan nation and ways to strengthen ties.
Addressing the media after the meeting, the Prime Minister said that the friendship between India and Nepal time-tested and unique.
“Our friendship is time-tested and unique. We share our burden during difficult times, just as we celebrate each other’s achievements,” Modi said.
“As immediate neighbours and close friendly nations, peace, stability, and economic prosperity of Nepal is our shared objective,” he added.
The Prime Minister asserted that India stands ready and prepared to strengthen development partnership with Nepal and New Delhi will do so as per the priorities of the people and government of the Himalyan nation.
Prachanda, who arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit, was earlier given a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The two sides reviewed the full spectrum of relations during delegation level talks at Hyderabad House here, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup tweeted.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on Prachanda, who was elected as premier for the second time last month, at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
"Infusing fresh energy into a special relationship. PM @narendramodi receives Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda," Swarup tweeted, along with a picture of the leaders shaking hands.
Yesterday, the government said that Nepal's Constitution making process was an "internal issue" which the Nepalese citizens will decide and that India has never been "prescriptive".
Addressing the Nepalese diaspora at an event, Prachanda said the top focus of the new dispensation led by him was to create the "right atmosphere" before the implementation of the Constitution and pave the way for necessary amendments.
"Till the time we don't take the Tharus, Madhesis and janjatis into confidence and address their legitimate demands, the atmosphere cannot be created for implementation of the new Constitution," he had said.
