Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held a bilateral meeting on Friday on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, where they reviewed the “unique and close relationship” between India and Nepal.
This was their second meeting since PM Oli took office last year, reflecting the importance both countries place on their bilateral ties. The two leaders expressed satisfaction over the progress in areas such as physical and digital connectivity, energy cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges.
PM Modi: India-Nepal Partnership Growing Stronger
Following the meeting, PM Modi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share key highlights, emphasizing the positive developments in bilateral ties and the outcomes of the BIMSTEC Summit.
“Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bangkok. We discussed different aspects of India-Nepal friendship, especially in sectors like energy, connectivity, culture, and digital technology. We also talked about some of the key positive outcomes from this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, especially in areas of disaster management and maritime transport.” – PM Modi on X
PM Oli: “Fruitful and Positive” Discussions with PM Modi
Calling PM Modi a “dear friend,” PM Oli also expressed gratitude for the discussions, which he described as “very fruitful and positive.”
India-Nepal Ties: Strengthening Regional Cooperation
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that Nepal remains a key pillar in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, and regular high-level meetings reaffirm this commitment. The two countries continue to explore ways to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly in:
- Energy: Expanding cross-border power trade
- Connectivity: Strengthening road, rail, and digital infrastructure
- People-to-People Linkages: Promoting cultural and educational exchanges
- Disaster Management: Enhancing preparedness and response strategies
The leaders also exchanged views on regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, particularly in maritime transport and climate resilience.
BIMSTEC Summit: Key Outcomes
The 6th BIMSTEC Summit has focused on fostering greater economic integration, connectivity, and security cooperation among member countries. PM Modi highlighted that India remains committed to promoting regional growth and prosperity through BIMSTEC-led initiatives.
This meeting further cements the strong historical and cultural ties between India and Nepal while setting the stage for deeper economic and diplomatic engagements in the coming years.