President of Nepal, Bidya Devi Bhandari’s visit to India

Bidya Devi Bhandari, the first female President of Nepal, was on an official visit to India from 17^th to 21^st April, 2017. This was her first state visit after assuming office in October 2015. Nepalese ministers including Prakash Sharan Mahat – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sita Devi Yadav – Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, Members of Nepalese Parliament and other senior government officials accompanied Ms. Bhandari during this visit.

• Ms. Bhandari held talks on range of issues with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Indian Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister for Home Affairs Rajnath Singh, Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and Finance and Defence Minister Arun Jaitley.

Important Points about India-Nepal Bilateral Relations:

In recent months, ‘Intensive Bilateral Exchanges’ took place between officials of India and Nepal to deepen cooperation in areas of trade, energy cooperation, water resources and security.

• India has reiterated its support for inclusive implementation of Nepal’s new constitution.
• Bhandari thanked Indian Govt. for its support in the post-earthquake reconstruction process.
• During Ms. Bhandari’s visit, both sides assessed the implementation of ongoing cross-border connectivity projects including development of Terai roads, cross-border railway lines, integrated border check posts, and cross-border pipeline for carrying petroleum products which is first of its kind in South Asia.
• Both sides also reviewed bilateral energy cooperation, including development of 5,723 crore Arun 3 power project in Nepal and Muzaffarpur-Dhalkebar high capacity transmission line.
• Ms. Bhandari also visited Dwarka Temple in Gujarat and Jagannath Puri Temple in Odisha. No MoUs were signed during this visit as it was just a goodwill visit to strengthen the bilateral ties between India and Nepal.

Quick Facts About Nepal

• Capital: Kathmandu
• Currency: Nepalese Rupee
• Current Prime Minister: Pushpa Kamal Dahal
• Neighbouring Countries: India and China