Kathmandu, August 19 (HS). Dr. Arju Rana, who became the Foreign Minister after the formation of the new government in Nepal, is currently in Delhi on her first foreign tour, where she met India's Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House. Dr. Jaishankar expressed happiness while welcoming the Foreign Minister of Nepal who went on a formal visit to India.
During this meeting, it has been informed that issues of mutual interest of both the countries, bilateral issues, details of the progress of projects being run with the cooperation of India in Nepal, hydropower and electricity trade, connectivity etc. will be discussed. In a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs of India, it has been mentioned that the first visit of the Foreign Minister of Nepal will be conducted under India's Neighbourhood First Policy.
After meeting Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House, Nepal's Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana said that the interests of the two countries, mutual cooperation and improvement in relations were discussed in this meeting. She said that bilateral interests, various aspects of Nepal-India relations as well as exchange of mutual assistance were discussed. She expressed hope that this visit will further strengthen the centuries-old Nepal-India relationship.
India's Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar wrote on his social media account about this meeting, “Glad to welcome Nepal's Foreign Minister Arju Rana Deuba on her first official foreign visit. Multifaceted cooperation including energy, trade, connectivity and infrastructure development was discussed. The Foreign Minister wrote on the account, 'It is a pleasure to know that Nepal will export about 1000 MW of electricity to India, which is a new milestone. Our Neighborhood First policy and unique people-to-people and cultural ties further strengthen our relations.'
Apart from the Foreign Minister, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Joint Secretary of North Desk in the Ministry of External Affairs Anurag Srivastava and other officials were present from India's side in this meeting. Similarly, from Nepal's side, Acting Ambassador Thapa, Chief Joint Secretary of South Asia Division of the Ministry of External Affairs Bhrigu Dhungana, Political Counselor of the Embassy in Delhi Drupada Sapkota were present.