PM Narendra Modi's Nepal visit has given 'new impetus' to bilateral ties: Sushma Swaraj

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Nepal visit has enhanced mutual trust and confidence between the two countries and given a "new impetus, direction and dynamism" to vital ties, government told Parliament today with a resolve to build upon it.

Making a suo motu statement in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the two-day visit that concluded on Monday was "historic and highly successful" with several Nepalese leaders saying he had won their "hearts and minds" and clarified on misgivings.

"...Prime Minister was very satisfied with the outcome of the visit to Nepal. He touched the hearts and minds of all the Nepalese people that was conveyed to him in so many words by his interlocutors...," she said giving details of the talks Modi had with the Nepalese leaders and the announcements made by India for the neighbouring country.

Noting that Modi was according the highest priority to relations with Nepal, Swaraj said the visit "further enhanced the mutual trust and confidence" between the two countries.

"The Prime Minister's visit has given a whole new impetus, new direction and new dynamism to our vital relationship with Nepal, which we are determined to further intensify and build upon," she said.

Swaraj underlined that it was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nepal in 17 years under the bilateral format and the Prime Minister of the host country Sushil Koirala broke protocol to receive Modi at the airport.

Giving details of the outcome of the visit, she said the two Prime Ministers reviewed the whole gamut of bilateral relations and agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements.