Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari assures Nepal of India's continuous support

KATHMANDU: India today assured Nepal of its continous support for peace, stability and development and expressed hope that the country would get a new Constitution within the stipulated time.

Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who was on a two-day visit to Nepal for an infrastructure summit here, said this during his meetings with President Ram Baran Yadav and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

He discussed various issues, including Nepal-India relations, India's experience in infrastructure development, the ongoing Constitution writing process, and Nepal-India development assistance, with the two leaders.

Gadkari expressed belief that Nepal would get a new Constitution within the stipulated time under Koirala's leadership.

He said India will always provide support for the peace, stability and development of Nepal.

Koirala said Nepal could not focus on development as the country had to spent the past six decades struggling to establish democracy.

The Nepalese Prime Minister said the door to development is now opened in the country, Myrepublica reported.

He said the recently-signed Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and Project Development Agreement (PDA) between Nepal and India have created an environment for investment in the hydropower sector.

Koirala said the international community, including India, have continuously supported the Constitution writing process and said he expected the support to continue in days ahead.

Gadkari thanked Koirala for providing time to him despite his busy schedule.

The Transport Minister also held a meeting with Nepal's Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Bimalendra Nidhi.

In his meeting with Nidhi, Gadkari offered India's help in establishing water ways in the land-locked country, which will be cheaper compared to other modes of transport services.

Gadkari also offered India's full cooperation to Nepal in developing its transport and infrastructure.

Gadkari in a separate event also addressed the young entrepreneurs and young business people of Nepal.