Lok Sabha Question No. 2017 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2016-03-09
Subject: Visit of Nepalese PM
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN, LALLU SINGH, ASADUDDIN OWAISI, KALIKESH NARAYAN SINGH DEO, BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA, RAM CHARITRA, KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR, RAMESH POKHRIYAL NISHANK, SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL, G. HARI, BALASUBRAMANIAM SENGUTTUVAN

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

## MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.2017 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2016

## VISIT OF NEPALESE PM

2017. SHRI ASHOK SHANKARRAO CHAVAN:

SHRI LALLU SINGH:

SHRI ASADUDDIN OWAISI:

SHRI KALIKESH N. SINGH DEO:

SHRI BHAIRON PRASAD MISHRA:

SHRI RAM CHARITRA NISHAD:

SHRI KAUSHALENDRA KUMAR:

DR. RAMESH POKHRIYAL 'NISHANK':

SHRI SUNIL KUMAR MONDAL:

SHRI G. HARI:

SHRI B. SENGUTTUVAN:

Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Nepal Prime Minister visited India recently and if  so,  the details of discussions held, agreements signed and areas identified for cooperation between the two countries;
- (b) whether  the  Nepal  imbroglio  relating  to  Madhesis  has  since  been resolved  and  if  so,  the  details  thereof  along  with  the  steps  taken  to improve bilateral/trade relations with Nepal;
- (c) whether the issue regarding providing protection to Indians companies/properties, etc. also came under deliberation during the said visit; and
- (d) if so, the details and outcome thereof?

## ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS [GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

- (a) The Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Sharma Oli paid a State visit to India  from  19  to  24  February  2016.   During  the  visit,  he  met  with  Hon'ble Rashtrapatiji, Vice President and  Prime  Minister and  other senior GoI

dignitaries.  Wide  ranging  discussions  on  diverse  aspects  of  the  bilateral relations were held during the visit. Prime Minister Oli also visited the Tehri hydropower  project,  post  earthquake  reconstruction  sites  in  Bhuj,  and  held meetings in Mumbai. The following bilateral documents were signed:

-  MoU  on  utilization  of  US$  250  million  Grant  component  of  GOI's Assistance package for Post-earthquake reconstruction assistance.
-  MoU on strengthening of road infrastructure in the Terai area of Nepal.
-  MoU between Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and Sangeet Natak Akademi.
-  Letters of  Exchange on  Transit  Routes: (i)  Transit  between  Nepal  and Bangladesh through Kakarbitta-Banglabandh corridor (ii) Operationalization of Vishakhapatnam Port.
-  Letters of Exchange  on  Rail  Transport: (i) Rail transport to/from Vishakhapatnam (ii)  Rail  transit  facility  through  Singhabad  for  Nepal's Trade with and through Bangladesh

Further,  the  Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar  transmission  line  was  inaugurated. The  establishment  of  an  Eminent  Persons  Group  (EPG)  comprising  four members from each country was announced.

(b)       After the adoption of the Nepalese Constitution on 20 September, 2015, two Constitutional amendments were passed by the Parliament of Nepal on 23 January 2016.  Government of India regarded them as positive developments and hoped that other outstanding issues would also be addressed similarly in a constructive spirit. Following the suspension of the agitation at the border posts by the Madhes-based parties in early February 2016, trade flow through the Raxaul Birgunj crossing has commenced.

India  and  Nepal  have  maintained  regular  contacts,  including  at  high political  level.  Deputy  Prime  Minister  and  Minister  of  Foreign  Affairs,  Mr. Kamal Thapa, visited India twice (17-19 October 2015 and from 30 November2  December  2015)  followed  by  visit  of  the  Minister  of  Finance  Mr.  Bishnu Poudel  (7-9  February  2016)  and  the  State  visit  of  Prime  Minister  Mr.  K.P. Sharma  Oli  (from  19-24  February  2016).  India  has  always  stood  for  peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal and will continue to extend all assistance in accordance with the  aspirations  of  the  people  of  Nepal  for  socio-economic development of the country.

(c) & (d) The entire gamut of bilateral relations, including security issues, was reviewed during Prime Minister Oli's visit. The Government of India continues to take all necessary measures to safeguard Indian interests in Nepal.

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