India, Nepal ink eight MoUs in various fields

New Delhi, Aug 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today exuded confidence that eight Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) inked between India and Nepal in various fields would transmit new energy in the bilateral ties of the two neighbours. The MoUs cover a wide range of areas including housing grant and prevention of drugs, reconstruction packages in health and education sectors. The agreements were signed after delegation level talks between Prime Minister Modi and his visiting Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba at Hyderabad House here. The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur cross border Transmission lines. In his statement to media, Prime Minister Modi said, Mr Deuba and he reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral ties and discussed ways to further deepen the special relationship. He said India will extend all possible assistance to Nepal to deal with flood situation. He said the two countries have also agreed to increase trade relations. Mr Modi said India is committed to ensure development of its valuable neighbour. He said that India was fortunate to have been an active partner in development and economic progress of Nepal. Mr. Modi said that both India and Nepal’s economic partnership had a wide array of dimensions in energy, water resources and connectivity projects where the two neighbours were already working together. In his press statement, Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said, relations between India and Nepal are comprehensive. Mr Deuba said, there are vast opportunities for India in Nepal regarding trade and water resources. Mr Deuba, accompanied by a high-level delegation, arrived in the national capital yesterday on a five day state visit to India. Prime Minister Deuba was accorded ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the morning. Prime Minister Modi welcomed his counterpart at the forecourts of the President House. Talking to media at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mr Deuba said, a close neighbour India has helped Nepal in its development efforts and he will request Prime Minister Modi to support more. Mr Deuba is also scheduled to call on President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu. This is Mr Deuba's first visit abroad after assuming the office of Prime Minister of Nepal in June this year. Apart from official engagements in New Delhi, Mr Deuba will also visit Hyderabad, Tirupati and Bodh Gaya. UNI