Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba and Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting in Muscat, Oman, on Sunday. Both ministers are in Oman to attend the 8th Indian Ocean Conference, where they convened to discuss various aspects of Nepal-India bilateral relations.
The two leaders deliberated on a wide range of issues, including recent bilateral meetings, exchange of visits, and mutual cooperation. They also reviewed the outcomes of recent key discussions, such as the Commerce Secretary-level meeting in Kathmandu and the energy-related talks in New Delhi.
Minister Dr. Deuba expressed her gratitude to the Government of India for its support in facilitating the export of electricity from Nepal to India and Bangladesh via Indian territory. They also touched on the recent advancements in trade transit and water resource development between the two nations.
Highlighting the significance of regional cooperation, Dr. Deuba described the trilateral electricity trade agreement between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh as a major achievement for Nepal’s energy sector. She commended India’s facilitation in making the agreement a reality.
The meeting further addressed the progress on cross-border electricity trade modalities and the ongoing review of the trade agreement between Nepal and India. Dr. Deuba also acknowledged the productive discussions and decisions made at the Nepal-India Intergovernmental Committee meeting held in Kathmandu in January. The operationalization of additional ports at Dhamra and Mundra was also a topic of discussion, with Dr. Deuba praising India’s progress in this area, noting that it would enhance border infrastructure, trade, and connectivity between the two countries.
On the energy front, both ministers discussed the resolution of major technical issues related to the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and agreed to move forward with the project positively following recent ministerial talks.
Minister Dr. Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the progress on the Upper Arun Project and suggested that the BIMSTEC organization be further developed. Dr. Deuba reaffirmed Nepal’s strong commitment to its relationship with India, emphasizing Nepal’s willingness to continue collaborating with India for the mutual benefit of both nations.
