Nepal Foreign Affairs (KATHMANDU, July 27) – CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has praised Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking India-Nepal relations to a new height .
Speaking at a program on Nepal-India relations by the Youth Federation Nepal, on Sunday, Oli said, ”Modi ji has taken the bilateral relations in new height paying a first official visit and second during the 18th SAARC Summit in Nepal”. The chairman was of the view that the Indian premier was able to reduce misconception toward India in Nepal.
“I believe that Nepal-India relations under the BJP leadership especially during the Modi’s leadership will be further consolidated and strengthened in the days to come,” Oli said at the program where the visiting BJP leaders were also invited as speakers.
Oli praised India’s warm support in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Nepal.
“Indian External Affairs Minister Shushma Swaraj visited Nepal in course of the International Conference on Nepal’s Reconstruction and pledged substantial Indian financial assistance of USD 100 billion in Nepal’s rebuilding,” Oli said adding, ”These all prove that India has given top priority to Nepal in its relations.”
Stating that the bilateral relation between India and Nepal is incomparable to any other countries, Oli highlighted that both the countries have established strong bond by nature, geography, open border and family relations for ages.
“We have astounding relations between the two countries. Interestingly, we can speak each others’ language without any difficulties given the strong linguistic similarities for ages,” he said.
Oli, who was projected as the Prime Minister-in-waiting by Indian BJP leader Bijaya Jolly, has said that Nepal-India relation has no serious problems.
”If there are problems, these should be solved through the diplomatic channels” he said. Oli urged Indian leaders to investment especially in the hydropower sector in Nepal.
”We can take advantage by enhancing cooperation on hydropower. But we have not had enough investment to exploit the potentiality of this sector. Thus, I request Indian government to invest in hydropower so that we can generate power and export to India.” he said.
In the program, Indian BJP leader and Member of Parliament from the Delhi constituency Dr Udit Raj has asked Oli to pay special attention to Dalit communities to ensure their rights in the constitution.
He also praised Modi for bringing the bilateral relations in new height by engaging all sections of Nepali politics.
Another senior BJP leader Bijaya Jolly, who was also ex-global convener of the party, has said that India will never intervene in the domestic affairs of Nepal. ”India wants to contribute in Nepal’s development. What India wants to see is developed and prosperous Nepal. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has given special preference to Nepal.” Jolly said. He repeatedly said that Nepal will soon be developed and prosperous when KP Oli becomes Prime Minister.