For India, Nepal is fundamental to its 'neighbour first' approach: Shringla

Kathmandu, Nov 27: Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla, while delivering a lecture in Kathmandu said, recent years have given the Indo-Nepal relationship a new momentum. Delivering the lecture at the Asian Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs Distinguished, Shringla said that for India, Nepal is fundamental to its 'Neighbourhood First' approach.

 

The Foreign Secretary related the two countries and their approach by stating that "India's aspiration of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas' and Nepal's goal of 'Samriddh Nepal, Sukhi Nepali' are compatible. He also said that India’s development and modernization are incomplete and intrinsically linked to the development and modernization of neighboring countries like Nepal.

 

Shringla stressed the fact that India sees itself as Nepal’s foremost friend and development partner. He said developmental experiences that the two countries share have proved successful and beneficial. Given the similarities in environmental conditions and socio-economic challenges, there is so much India and Nepal can learn from each other.

 

The Foreign Secretary stated that to enhance cross-border connectivity and infrastructure projects is also critical. They unlock the potential of millions and in millions. He said, the spectrum of bilateral cooperation between India and Nepal is all-encompassing and traverses centuries, in the real sense.

 

Later in his meeting with the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal, and his counter part, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla phrased that "there is no doubt that the two countries are on the same page and share the same vision".