India and Nepal Strengthen Ties: S Jaishankar and Arzu Rana Deuba Discuss Trade and Energy
New Delhi, August 19 – External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Nepali Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba to discuss various aspects of cooperation between India and Nepal. The meeting focused on trade, energy, and infrastructure development.
Key Highlights
During the meeting, Jaishankar highlighted that Nepal will be exporting around 1000 MW of electricity to India. He emphasized India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy to enhance the relationship between New Delhi and Kathmandu.
Jaishankar shared on social media, “Pleased to welcome FM @Arzuranadeuba of Nepal on her first official visit abroad. Discussed the multifaceted India-Nepal cooperation including in energy, trade, connectivity, and infrastructure development.”
Arzu Rana Deuba described the meeting as ‘productive’ and expressed confidence that her visit would further strengthen the centuries-old bond between the two countries. She stated, “Had a productive meeting with @DrSJaishankar in New Delhi. We discussed bilateral interests, various aspects of Nepal-India relations, and the exchange of mutual cooperation. I am confident this visit will further strengthen the centuries-old bond between Nepal and India.”
Additional Power Export
Nepal is set to export an additional 251 MW of power to India from 12 hydropower projects, following approval by India’s designated authority for cross-border trade. This will bring the total export capacity to 941 MW from 28 projects. The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced that Nepal had already become a net exporter of electricity, generating significant revenue in the last fiscal year.
Doubts Revealed
S Jaishankar -: S Jaishankar is India’s External Affairs Minister. He helps manage India’s relationships with other countries.
Arzu Rana Deuba -: Arzu Rana Deuba is the Foreign Minister of Nepal. She helps manage Nepal’s relationships with other countries.
New Delhi -: New Delhi is the capital city of India. It’s where many important government meetings happen.
Trade -: Trade means buying and selling goods and services between countries. It helps countries get things they need.
Energy -: Energy in this context means electricity. Countries need electricity to power homes, schools, and businesses.
Infrastructure -: Infrastructure includes things like roads, bridges, and buildings. It helps a country function smoothly.
MW -: MW stands for Megawatt, a unit to measure electricity. 1 Megawatt can power about 1,000 homes.
Bilateral ties -: Bilateral ties mean the relationship between two countries. Strong ties mean they work well together.
Neighbourhood First policy -: Neighbourhood First policy is India’s plan to have good relationships with nearby countries like Nepal.
Historic bond -: Historic bond means a long-lasting and important relationship. India and Nepal have been friends for a long time.