India and Nepal Discuss Enhanced Bilateral Ties in Energy, Trade, and Connectivity during Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Dhaka
In a significant diplomatic development, the External Affairs Minister of India, S Jaishankar, and his Nepali counterpart, Narayan Prakash Saud, held their first meeting in Dhaka on Friday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 6th Indian Ocean Conference, which witnessed the participation of high-level dignitaries from various countries.
The meeting marked a crucial step towards strengthening the bilateral relations between India and Nepal. During the discussion, the two ministers emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in key areas such as energy, trade, connectivity, and hydroelectricity.
Minister Jaishankar took to Twitter to express his satisfaction with the meeting, stating, “A good first meeting with FM N.P. Saud of Nepal. Congratulated him on his new responsibility. Discussed further steps in our steadily expanding partnership. Spoke about energy, connectivity, and our enduring people-to-people ties.”
Similarly, the embassy of Nepal in Dhaka also highlighted the positive outcome of the meeting, stating, “The two ministers expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of Nepal-India relations and discussed ways to further consolidate cooperation in the areas of trade, transit, connectivity, and hydroelectricity, among others.”
This meeting comes at a crucial time when both countries are eager to enhance their economic cooperation and strengthen people-to-people ties. The discussion on energy cooperation is of particular significance as Nepal has immense hydropower potential, while India, with its growing energy demands, could benefit from the hydroelectricity exports from its neighbor.
Furthermore, improving trade and connectivity between the two nations will not only boost economic growth but also contribute to regional stability and prosperity. The meeting laid the foundation for future collaborations in these sectors, opening up opportunities for both countries to harness their full potential.
It is worth mentioning that Foreign Minister Saud assumed office on April 16, and this meeting served as an opportunity for him to discuss the way forward with his Indian counterpart. The mutual commitment to further consolidate cooperation reflects the shared vision of both countries in fostering a strong and enduring partnership.
Overall, the meeting between Minister Jaishankar and Minister Saud in Dhaka has set the stage for deeper engagement and collaboration between India and Nepal. With a focus on energy, trade, connectivity, and hydroelectricity, the two countries are poised to strengthen their ties for mutual benefit and contribute to the overall progress and development of the region.