India ready to help Nepal rebuild flood-hit infra, deepen energy ties

India is ready to support Nepal’s efforts to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the Bhotekoshi floods and expand cooperation in the energy sector to boost the neighbouring country’s economic growth. This was conveyed by foreign secretary Vikram Misri during a series of meetings in Kathmandu on Wednesday, ahead of Nepal PM Balen Shah’s visit to India from November 22 to 24.

On Thursday, Misri paid a courtesy call on Shah in Kathmandu.

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During the meeting, Shah expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its assistance as a first responder during disasters in Nepal, including the Bhotekoshi floods, according to the ministry of foreign affairs.

During his meetings, Misri conveyed India’s readiness to support Nepal’s efforts to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the recent floods. New Delhi is prepared to consider assistance and project proposals as the country moves into the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase, Kathmandu-based sources told ET.

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Misri also met Nepal’s minister for energy and water resources Biraj Bhakta Shrestha on Wednesday to discuss expanding cooperation in the energy sector. India’s imports of electricity from Nepal have contributed significantly to the latter’s local economy. Nepal is seeking fresh Indian investments, not only in the hydropower sector but also in hospitality. Several India-funded projects are expected to be inaugurated during Shah’s visit, while groundbreaking ceremonies for other projects are also being planned, ET had reported last week. This will be Shah’s first bilateral overseas visit as PM.