Kathmandu, November 4
Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said that India is ready to support the reconstruction and rehabilitation of infrastructure damaged by the Bhotekoshi floods in Nepal.
During a meeting with the Nepali delegation led by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai on Wednesday, Misri said the floods had caused extensive damage to Nepal’s infrastructure and that India was willing to extend assistance for reconstruction.
“Several long-pending issues have been resolved, and progress has also been made in implementing important initiatives undertaken by both sides. The officials on both sides deserve appreciation and congratulations for this. I would also like to thank you and your team for your continued support. As you rightly said, India and Nepal share a unique relationship. We have stood by each other in both good times and difficult circumstances,” he said.
Misri said the issue had been discussed earlier as well and that India was ready to consider the necessary assistance and project proposals as Nepal moves ahead with reconstruction and rehabilitation.
He reiterated that the relationship between Nepal and India was unique, with both countries standing by each other during favourable and difficult times. He also recalled India’s assistance following the Bhotekoshi floods.
Praising the efforts of officials from both countries in advancing various important initiatives and areas of cooperation, Misri expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation would continue in the coming days.
“Especially during the Bhotekoshi floods and the difficult circumstances that followed, we had an opportunity to demonstrate this relationship in practice. India has extended assistance. However, we understand that the disaster caused extensive damage and destruction to Nepal’s infrastructure. As always, India is ready to consider the assistance required or project proposals during the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase,” Misri said.
“Initial discussions have already taken place on this matter. We are keen to discuss it in greater detail with Nepal’s leadership. Today’s discussions will focus on various important initiatives that need to be advanced in connection with the prime minister’s visit. A detailed agenda has been prepared, and I look forward to discussing these matters with you,” he added.
