India and Nepal pledge not to allow their territory to be used against each other
NEW DELHI : India and Nepal have pledged that they will not allow their territory to be used against each other. A joint statement issued after delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda said this in New Delhi Friday.
It stressed the need to ensure that the open border is not allowed to be misused by unscrupulous elements posing security threats to either side.Both countries also agreed to set up a mechanism to review the progress of economic and developmental projects on regular basis.
They reviewed the progress of other major hydro-power projects, Pancheshwar, Upper Karnali and Arun-III. The two leaders noted that various issues should be addressed expeditiously to implement the projects in a time-bound manner.It was also agreed upon that both sides will continue to take measures to operationalise the Power Trade Agreement signed in 2014.
The Nepal Prime Minister shared with Mr Modi the efforts made by his present government to take all sections of Nepali society on board for effective implementation of the constitution.
The two Prime Ministers stressed on the need for early development of infrastructure at integrated check posts (ICPs) to facilitate smooth and faster movement of people and goods.
They expressed satisfaction over the progress in construction of ICPs at Raxaul and Jogbani, and agreed to expedite work on the Raxaul-Birgunj ICP project to complete it by December.Both sides agreed to initiate steps to facilitate development of three other agreed cross-border rail-link projects so that the land acquisition can commence on the Nepali side.
Nepal also reiterated its support for India’s candidature for permanent membership of the UN Security Council.
