Central News Hub

Tag: jaishankar

  • Jaishankar, Israeli counterpart discuss West Asia situation

    Jaishankar, Israeli counterpart discuss West Asia situation

    The two leaders talked about India’s views, assessments and interests in that regard. S Jaishankar and Israel Katz agreed to remain in touch…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held a meeting with Israeli counterpart Israel Katz on Monday and discussed the ongoing situation in West Asia.

    During the telephonic conversation, the two leaders talked about India’s views, assessments and interests in that regard. S Jaishankar and Israel Katz agreed to remain in touch.

    In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Good to talk to Israeli FM @Israel_katz. Discussed the ongoing situation in West Asia. Spoke about India’s views, assessments and interests in that regard. Agreed to stay in touch.”

    The war in Gaza continues after Israel launched a counter-offensive in response to the Hamas attack on October 7. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the first global leaders to condemn the horrific terror attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7. However, India has also continued with its weight behind the ‘two-state solution’ to the long-running Israel-Palestine conflict.

    India also sent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza as part of its commitment. Earlier in December, India released the second tranche of USD 2.5 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) on Thursday. With this, India also fulfilled its annual contribution of USD 5 million for 2023-24, the Indian Embassy in Palestine said in a statement.

    On January 19, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the pressing issue of the conflict in Gaza while emphasising the need for a sustainable solution to the humanitarian crisis.

    Delivering India’s National Statement at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Jaishankar asserted that “terrorism and hostage-taking are unacceptable.” He underscored the importance of respecting international humanitarian law by all states involved.

    “Right now, the conflict in Gaza is understandably uppermost in our minds. This humanitarian crisis requires a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief to those most affected,” said the EAM.

    “We must also be clear that terrorism and hostage-taking are unacceptable. At the same time, international humanitarian law must always be respected by all states,” he also said.

    Speaking on the Gaza conflict, Jaishankar added that it is also “imperative that conflict does not spread within or beyond the region.”

    Reiterating India’s long-standing stance on a two-state solution, the External Affairs Minister said, “But in the final analysis, we must seek a two-state solution where the Palestinian people can live within secure borders. Our collective endeavours should focus on making this realisable.”

    Jaishankar emphasised that collective efforts should focus on realising this solution and promoting peace and stability. He also highlighted the interconnectedness of global issues, noting that growth and progress depend on peace and stability. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Jaishankar congratulates Bhutan’s new Foreign Minister

  • Jaishankar congratulates Bhutan’s new Foreign Minister

    Jaishankar congratulates Bhutan’s new Foreign Minister

    Dhungyel earlier served as Bhutan’s Minister for Information and Communications…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Sunday congratulated Lyonpo DN Dhungyel on his appointment as Bhutan’s Foreign Affairs Minister, said he looks forward to working with Dhungyel to further deepen India-Bhutan ties.

    “Congratulations to Lyonpo D.N. Dhungyel on his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Bhutan. Look forward to working together to further deepen the unique Bhutan-India ties,” EAM Jaishankar wrote on ‘X’.

    Dhungyel earlier served as Bhutan’s Minister for Information and Communications.

    Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently extended his heartfelt congratulations to Bhutan’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the party chief Tshering Tobgay for their triumph in the country’s parliamentary elections.

    The Prime Minister said in a post on X, “Heartiest congratulations to my friend @tsheringtobgay and the People’s Democratic Party for winning the parliamentary elections in Bhutan. Look forward to working together again to further strengthen our unique ties of friendship and cooperation.”

    This was Bhutan’s fourth general election since transitioning from a traditional monarchy to a parliamentary form of government 15 years back. (ANI)

    ALSO READ-Jaishankar Promotes Business Opportunities at India-Nigeria Forum

  • Jaishankar Promotes Business Opportunities at India-Nigeria Forum

    Jaishankar Promotes Business Opportunities at India-Nigeria Forum

    Addressing the event, he said, “If there are some big geopolitical bets India is taking, is on the rise of Africa…reports Asian Lite News

    Exuding confidence in the growth potential of Africa, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called for further deepening of the India-Nigeria partnership and promotion of business opportunities between the two nations.

    The EAM was speaking at the India-Nigeria Business Forum in Abuja, Nigeria on Monday (local time). “Glad to address the India-Nigeria Business Forum organised by CII and NICCI. Underlined that deepening our economic partnership is key to the expansion of our ties. Encouraged businesses to enhance their networking, identify regulatory and policy impediments and utilize opportunities,” Jaishankar posted on X.

    Addressing the event, he said, “If there are some big geopolitical bets India is taking, is on the rise of Africa. We are betting that in the next decade, we are going to see amazing transformation here. Whether it is opening more embassies, encouraging more trade and investments, creating more opportunities for political contacts, getting the system to know each other more”.

    “That is our objective, because we want to strengthen our relationship with Africa not in the future but from yesterday,” he added.
    The EAM stressed the further strengthening of India-Nigeria relations while elaborating on the areas in which the two countries can collaborate.

    He said that India would like to bring its experience and learning in Nigeria while assuring Abuja of business opportunities in New Delhi.
    “We will continue to push the system, motivate business, address obstacles and facilitate, and look for new opportunity. There are a lot of changes in both countries…a very good example is in the digital field, green and clean energy, agriculture,” Jaishankar said.

    He added, “A lot of our experience and learning, we would like to bring here. At the same time, I would like to assure Nigerian business that there are opportunities in India too”. EAM Jaishankar is on a visit to Nigeria from January 21-23. India and Nigeria have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. This is EAM’s first visit to Nigeria, which will further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries, according to Ministry of External Affairs release.
    Prior to this, he also led the Indian delegation at the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), to be held in Kampala, Uganda. He also met several foreign leaders and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the summit. (ANI)

    ALSO READ-India betting on Africa’s rise, says Jaishankar

  • India betting on Africa’s rise, says Jaishankar

    India betting on Africa’s rise, says Jaishankar

    The External Affairs Minister further stated that India is also betting on Africa, as both the nations share a history that has engendered an enormous solidarity…reports Asian Lite News

    Lauding it’s upward trajectory in terms of aspirations, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized that India is placing its bets on Africa’s growth due to the abundant opportunities presented by its demography and resources.

    In his address to the the Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC) in Abuja today, Jaishankar said, “Now, having spoken about India-Nigeria, let me make a larger point in respect of Africa. Africa is rising, and India is betting on Africa’s rise.”

    “We are betting on Africa’s rise because, by any objective assessment, today there is so much growing for Africa in terms of demography, in terms of resources, in terms of ambition, in terms of, increasingly, of policy alignments. That clearly potent, a very different, much more positive future in the very short term,” he underlined.

    The External Affairs Minister further stated that India is also betting on Africa, as both the nations share a history that has engendered an enormous solidarity. He asserted that for India, the multipolarity of the world will not be complete until Africa takes its due place.

    The EAM said, “Now, we are betting on Africa because, as the president of NIBC reminded us, we have a shared past, not always a happy history, not between us, but between us and some other people. But it is a history which has engendered an enormous solidarity.”

    “And that solidarity today makes me say very clearly that for us, when we speak about a changing global order, we clearly, today, India, as I said, the most populous country in the world, the fifth largest economy, a four trillion dollar approximate GDP. For us, the reordering of the world, the rebalancing, the multipolarity of the world will not be complete until Africa takes its due place,” Jaishankar said.

    “And we speak of it often, certainly in the diplomatic world, in terms of, you know, there will be reform of the United Nations, who will have a seat, how will it go, and all of that is very important. But I would say to all of you that rebalancing, reordering a new global order will only happen when the core of it is economic, which is the rise of Africa has to be the economic rise of Africa,” he added.

    EAM Jaishankar is on a visit to Nigeria from January 21-23.

    Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed the India-Nigeria Business Forum. He also addressed the Nigerian Institute Of International Affairs (NIIA) in Lagos on India and the Global South.

    He also visited the Indian High Commission in Abuja. There, he unveiled a bust of Mahatma Gandhi and planted a sapling in the High Commission premises. (ANI)

    ALSO READ-‘India could be $5 tr economy by 2025’

  • Jaishankar Meets Palestinian Counterpart, Discusses Gaza

    Jaishankar Meets Palestinian Counterpart, Discusses Gaza

    External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution and also exchanged views on humanitarian and political dimensions

    On the sidelines of the NAM summit in Uganda, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with his Palestinian counterpart Riyad al-Maliki on Saturday and held a comprehensive discussion on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

    In conversation with the Palestinian leader, EAM reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution and also exchanged views on humanitarian and political dimensions

    Taking to X, EAM shared about his meeting with the leader saying, “Good to meet with Palestinian FM Dr. Riyad al-Maliki in Kampala this afternoon. Had a detailed and comprehensive discussion on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Exchanged views on its humanitarian and political dimensions. Reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution. Agreed to remain in touch.”

    Earlier today, EAM Jaishankar called on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Ugandan capital, Kampala.

    “Pleased to call on Sri Lankan President @RW_UNP on the sidelines of the NAM Summit in Kampala,” Jaishankar posted from his official X handle on Saturday.

    Jaishankar called on Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe in Ugandan capital, Kampala.

    “Appreciate his continued guidance for the advancement of our bilateral initiatives. India’s commitment is reflected in our Neighbourhood First and SAGAR policy,” the EAM added.

    In a series of bilateral meetings and engagements at the ongoing NAM summit in Uganda, Jaishankar met with his counterparts from Bolivia, Azerbaijan, Venezuela, Serbia and Behrain on Friday.

    In his meetings with the leaders, Jaishankar exchanged views on regional and global issues and discussed bilateral relations.

    The EAM also called on Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and held discussions on ongoing developments in the region.

    “Always good to meet Bahraini FM Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. Discussed ongoing developments in the region,” Jaishankar posted from his X handle.

    Jaishankar also called on Bahrain's Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani

    Jaishankar also shared the key takeaways from his meeting with the Venezuelan FM saying, “Good meeting with Venezuelan FM @yvangil. Discussed our economic, energy and development cooperation. Exchanged views on regional and global issues.”

    During a sit-down with his Azerbaijan counterpart, EAM Jaishankar discussed bilateral relations and regional matters.

    He also held a meeting with Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda, with the discussions centering around cooperation in the development and traditional medicine.

    The EAM also shared glimpses from the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, which commenced here on Friday.

    The External Affairs Minister has been holding meetings with various foreign dignitaries at the two-day summit.

    Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the SuThe 19th NAM Summit under Uganda’s leadership. The event this year, themed on ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence’, has brought together delegates from more than 120 developing countries on a platform of crucial historic significance.

    The NAM is a forum of 120 countries not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc.

    India wholeheartedly supports Uganda’s theme for NAM and looks forward to engaging with the countries in the bloc, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement earlier, adding that as one of the leading and founding members of NAM, India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement.

    In Kampala, Jaishankar also met Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer, with the two leaders exchanging views on the ongoing high-level discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. They held further discussions to expedite the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives and cooperation within SAARC and NAM.

    Jaishankar also met Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer

    Jaishankar also called on Angolan Foreign Minister Tete Antonio and held discussions on the expanding collaboration between the two countries as well as the broader India-Africa cooperation.

    “Good meeting with Angolan FM @amb_tete. Discussed the expanding India-Angola and India-Africa cooperation. Also spoke about cooperation in multilateral fora. Thanked him for extending visa-free arrangement for Indian nationals,” Jaishankar posted from his X handle. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Jaishankar: Voice of Non-Aligned Movement is Here to be Heard

  • Jaishankar: Voice of Non-Aligned Movement is Here to be Heard

    Jaishankar: Voice of Non-Aligned Movement is Here to be Heard

    “The voice of the NAM is here to be heard. The voice of the NAM is here to stay and to grow. Let us send that message today”, Jaishankar said in India’s National Statement at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda, reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on the Non-Aligned Movement countries to challenge the concentrations undermining their economic security, adding that the voice of NAM is here to stay and grow.

    In India’s National Statement at the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit in Kampala, Uganda, the EAM also stressed the need for a reformed United Nations.

    Addressing the summit, Jaishankar said, “The NAM has entered its seventh decade. In that period, the world has transformed and so too have our capabilities and confidence. We must be bolder in seeking our due and pressing our demands. The more we share, collaborate and reinforce each other, the more we will change the world”.

    “The voice of the NAM is here to be heard. The voice of the NAM is here to stay and to grow. Let us send that message today,” he added.

    He highlighted the multiple concerns being faced by the countries belonging to the Non-Aligned Movement such as climate change, the impact of Covid pandemic, multiple conflicts across the world, as well as the triad of debt, inflation and growth challenges.

    “Underlying these serious concerns is the nature of the world we confront. We may have overthrown the yoke of colonialism, but we struggle with new forms of inequity and domination. In the era of globalisation, we see economic concentrations that treat the rest of the world as simply markets or resources…We are also subject to narratives of political correctness and universalism that do not give their due to our culture and traditions,” he said.

    Taking to social media platform X, the EAM highlighted about his address at the summit, touching upon the issues like the conflict in Gaza and India’s Vishwa Mitra initiative.

    “Delivered India’s statement at the 19th NAM Summit in Kampala today. Highlighted the challenges of Covid, conflict, climate change, debt and inflation. Emphasized the need for NAM to challenge concentrations that undermine our economic security. Argued for creating regional economic hubs and resilient supply chains. Spoke about India as Vishwa Mitra. 600 projects across 78 nations, Vaccine Maitri and First Responder actions are proof,” Jaishankar stated.

    “On Gaza, stressed that the humanitarian crisis requires a sustainable solution that gives immediate relief. Terrorism and hostage taking are unacceptable. The conflict must not spread. NAM should seek a two-state solution. The more we share, collaborate and reinforce each other, the more NAM will change the world,” he added. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Jaishankar Meets Nepal PM in Uganda

  • EAM Jaishankar Heads to 19th NAM Summit in Uganda

    EAM Jaishankar Heads to 19th NAM Summit in Uganda

    The Summit will be preceded by deliberations at the Ministerial and Senior Officials levels…reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar will lead the Indian delegation at the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) to be held in Kampala, Uganda on January 19-20.

    The Summit will be preceded by deliberations at the Ministerial and Senior Officials levels.

    Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh is representing India at the NAM Foreign Minister’s meeting which will precede the NAM Summit. MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan will represent India at the G-77 Third South Summit which will be held in Kampala on January 21-22, as per a release issued by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

    The 19th NAM Summit under Uganda’s leadership is being held under the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence’ and brings together more than 120 developing countries on a platform of crucial historic significance.

    India wholeheartedly supports Uganda’s theme for NAM and looks forward to engaging with NAM under Uganda’s leadership. As one of the leading and founding members of NAM, India remains committed to the principles and values of the movement, the MEA release said.

    On the sidelines of the NAM Summit, the EAM is expected to meet with the Ugandan leadership and counterparts from NAM member states.

    Jaishankar will then travel to Nigeria on an official visit from January 21-23. The EAM will co-chair the 6th India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with his counterpart and meet with other leaders.

    The EAM will also inaugurate the 3rd edition of the Nigeria-India Business Council meeting, deliver a speech at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, interact with CII Business delegates and inaugurate the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.

    He will also chair the regional conference of Indian Heads of Missions. India and Nigeria have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations. This is EAM’s first visit to Nigeria which will further consolidate bilateral relations between the two countries, the release said. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Jaishankar highlights humanitarian crisis in Middle East

  • Jaishankar highlights humanitarian crisis in Middle East

    Jaishankar highlights humanitarian crisis in Middle East

    The EAM also expressed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, emphasising its commitment to addressing the humanitarian aspects of the crisis, particularly the impact on women and children…reports Asian Lite News

    As the war in Gaza has crossed 100 days, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday underscored the urgency of addressing the “visible humanitarian crisis” in the Middle East while stressing the importance of “avoiding escalatory actions.”

    Jaishankar, who is on a two-day visit to Iran, addressed a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart, H Amir-Abdollahian.

    The two ministers held “wide-ranging” bilateral discussions in Tehran, which also included the Gaza situation, Afghanistan, Ukraine and BRICS cooperation.

    “Held wide ranging discussions today in Tehran with Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian. Our bilateral discussion focused on the long term framework for India’s involvement with Chabahar port and the INSTC connectivity project,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.

    “Also spoke about threats to maritime shipping in the region. Important that this be speedily addressed. Other issues on the agenda were the Gaza situation, Afghanistan, Ukraine and BRICS cooperation,” his post added.

    In the joint press conference, Jaishankar highlighted the need for a concerted effort to mitigate tensions in the region, saying, “We also exchanged perspectives and assessments on certain regional and global issues and developments. Both of us are concerned about recent events in West Asia, which some call the Middle East, and we emphasised the importance of preventing further escalation of violence and hostilities.”

    The EAM also expressed India’s unwavering stance against terrorism, emphasising its commitment to addressing the humanitarian aspects of the crisis, particularly the impact on women and children.

    “India has a longstanding and uncompromising position against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. This remains so very much for women and children was our primary focus,” he said.

    “There is a visible humanitarian crisis that needs to be addressed, and the creation of sustainable humanitarian corridors is the need of the day,” Jaishankar said, urging international collaboration. He also acknowledged India’s contribution to relief efforts by delivering shipments of aid to Gaza.

    “On the issue of Palestine, let me reiterate India’s longstanding support for a two-state solution where the Palestinian people are able to live freely in an independent country within secure borders,” Jaishankar affirmed.

    He stressed the imperative for all parties to “avoid provocative and escalatory actions and to facilitate movement towards dialogue and diplomacy.”

    On 100th day of the war, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “nobody will stop us” from destroying Hamas. He suggested Israel would not comply with the UN’s top court (International Court of Justice), where it is accused of genocide.

    At least 24,100 people have been killed and over 60,800 have been wounded in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 7. The death toll in Israel from the October 7 Hamas attacks stands at 1,139. (ANI)

    ALSO READ-Jaishankar issues stern message to China

  • Blinken, Jaishankar Discuss Maritime Security Amidst Houthi Attacks

    Blinken, Jaishankar Discuss Maritime Security Amidst Houthi Attacks

    The discussion came as the US and British militaries launched massive retaliatory strikes targeting a dozen sites used by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen…reports Asian Lite News

    The US has welcomed “increased cooperation” with India in defending freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden amid growing Houthi attacks in the region.

    US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday and discussed “shared concerns” over the reckless Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement.

    Miller said the attacks “threaten the free flow of commerce, endanger innocent mariners, and violate international law”.

    “The Secretary emphasised the Red Sea is a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade and welcomed increased cooperation with India in defending freedom of navigation in the region,” Miller said.

    The discussion came as the US and British militaries launched massive retaliatory strikes targeting a dozen sites used by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen.

    The two leaders also discussed the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, efforts to prevent the conflict’s escalation and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.

    In a post shared on X on Thursday, Jaishankar said he appreciated Blinken’s insights on the ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza.

    “A good discussion this evening with my friend US @SecBlinken. Our conversation focused on maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region. Appreciated his insights on ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza. Exchanged perspectives on developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict. Looking forward to realising our extensive cooperation agenda for 2024,” Jaishankar added.

    The Houthis — an Iran-backed Shia political and military organisation that has been fighting a civil war in Yemen against a coalition backed by Saudi Arabia — have launched drones and missiles at commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea since November 2023, many of which have been intercepted and shot down by US Navy ships in the area.

    The rebel group has said that it is acting in support of Hamas’ fight against Israel in Gaza, following Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

    According to the Council on Foreign Relations, the US has conducted nearly 400 airstrikes in Yemen since 2002.

    But White House and Pentagon officials have said since the Hamas attack that they do not want to see the conflict in Gaza expand into the region, according to a CNN report.

    ALSO READ-Jaishankar Calls on PM Prachanda in Kathmandu

  • Jaishankar Calls on PM Prachanda in Kathmandu

    Jaishankar Calls on PM Prachanda in Kathmandu

    Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Nepal for his first visit of 2024….reports Asian Lite News

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar called on Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal in Kathmandu on Thursday.

    EAM Jaishankar along with an Indian delegation met with the Nepal PM. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Nepal President Ram Chandra Paudel at his office in Kathmandu.

    Earlier in the day, Jaishankar arrived in Nepal for his first visit of 2024. He stated that he looked forward to the engagements over the next two days. Nepal’s Foreign Secretary and other senior officials also welcomed him at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement on X.

    Upon arrival, Jaishankar met Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud and the two leaders engaged in conversation as they proceeded towards their car.

    In a post shared on X, Jaishankar stated, “Namaste Kathmandu Happy to be back in Nepal for my first visit of 2024. Looking forward to the engagements over the next two days.”

    During his two-day visit to Kathmandu, Jaishankar will co-chair the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission with his counterpart NP Saud. The Joint Commission Meeting will review the overall state of bilateral relations and various areas of mutual cooperation, according to the statement released by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Established in 1987, the India-Nepal Joint Commission provides a platform for both ministers to review all aspects of the bilateral partnership. Jaishankar will also call on the leadership of Nepal and meet prominent political figures, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

    Nepal Foreign Minister NP Saud will host a dinner in honour of Jaishankar and members of his delegation, according to a statement released by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    Speaking to The Kathmandu Post, NP Saud said, “We are planning to ink two agreements and are going to inaugurate three cross-border transmission lines.” He further said, “Besides these, we have over three dozen items of meeting agenda.”

    During the meeting, the two sides will hold talks on connectivity and economic partnership, trade and transit, power and water resources, culture and education, among other things, The Kathmandu Post reported. The two leaders will discuss matters agreed upon during Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s official visit to Delhi in 2022.

    After the joint commission meeting, India and Nepal will sign agreements related to long-term energy cooperation and India’s proposal to increase funds for small development projects under the High-impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs), The Kathmandu Post reported.

    Nepal is a priority partner of India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy,’ according to MEA. In a statement, MEA stated, “The visit is in keeping with the tradition of high-level exchanges between two close and friendly neighbours.”

    Notably, India and Nepal share unique ties of friendship and cooperation characterised by an open border and deep-rooted people-to-people contacts of kinship and culture, according to MEA. The India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms the bedrock of the special ties that exist between the two nations. (ANI)

    ALSO READ: Hope for Indian Sailors as Qatar Opens 60-Day Appeal Window