Nepal PM Arrives In India For A Three-Day Visit

Nepalese PM K.P Oli has arrived in India for a three-day state visit today morning. During this visit, the two sides are expected to hold talks to boost trade ties between the two countries.

Oli, who arrived in New Delhi earlier today, accompanied by his wife was greeted by Home Minister Rajnath Singh.

Oli is set to meet the top Indian leadership including PM Narendra Modi, President Ram Nath Kovind and EAM (External Affairs Minister) during the visit to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and mutual interests.

It is expected that the pacts related to agriculture, research and development, education and training, exploring the possibility of inland water navigation up to Indian ports from Nepal, and expansion of Indian rail up to Kathmandu from the countries' border have been agreed by the two sides, as per IANS reports.

Oli is likely to take up various issues including the early execution of India funded projects in Nepal, implementation of the Mahakali Treaty and construction of integrated check posts.

On the third day of his visit, he is expected to visit the GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand. He will also visit the Breeder Seed Production Centre and one integrated farming project in the state.

As per diplomatic sources, it is expected that agricultural modernization of Nepal, an increment in production and trade enhancement will be one key agenda to be discussed.

Oli, who took oath as the PM in February has come to India at the invitation PM Modi.

However, Oli’s policies have been pro-China, be it reviving the Budhi Gandaki Project or agreeing to be a part of China’s Ambitious OBOR (One Belt One Road). 

Budhi Gandaki Project was a 1200 Megawatt hydropower project between China and Nepal which was scrapped by the government in 2017, citing irregularities and lack of transparency. But as soon as Oli took up the premier position, he revived the project citing reasons in the best interest of Nepal.

“Political prejudice or pressure from rival companies may have been instrumental in the scrapping of the project. But for us, hydropower is the main focus and come what may, we will revive the Budhi Gandaki project," Oli said in an interview to a newspaper.

As per a report in the Indian Express, India is expected to send a strong message to Nepal about its growing proximity with China during Oli's visit to India.

"Modi's tough message to Kathmandu will be couched in the niceties of diplomatic prose, but there will be no denying 'India’s red lines,” the paper reported.

Oli and Indian PM Modi will hold delegation level talks tomorrow, and give a joint press statement. What would be really worthy to look forward to is how Modi reacts to Nepal joining OBOR.