PM Modi wraps up two-day Nepal visit

"The two Prime Ministers agreed to review, adjust and update the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 and other bilateral agreements. They welcomed the decision of the Joint Commission to direct the Foreign Secretaries of the two countries to meet and discuss specific proposal to revise the Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950, which the Government of Nepal agreed to provide at the earliest. Both sides agreed that the revised Treaty should better reflect the current realities and aim to further consolidate and expand the multifaceted and deep rooted relationships in a forward looking manner," said a joint press statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Monday.

Both the Prime Ministers expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of Nepal-India relations that encompass a broad spectrum of political, economic, social and cultural ties that are deep-rooted at both government and peoples' levels. 

" The two Prime Ministers also underlined the need to further explore ways to enhance sub-regional cooperation particularly in the areas of trade, transit, connectivity and hydropower. They underlined that the high level visits are vital for greater momentum to the close and cordial ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister of Nepal appreciated the enhanced focus and priority given by the new Government of India on relations with neighbouring countries, as manifested in, among others, the invitation to the SAARC leaders to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Prime Minister on May 26. This provided a unique opportunity for meaningful dialogue at the political level as well as for advancing regional cooperation under the framework of SAARC," read the statement.

Koirala said that Nepal has focused its attention on drafting a new constitution through the Constituent Assembly, which will lead the country to greater stability and prosperity.

He shared Nepal's vision of graduating from the status of least developed country by 2022.

Modi conveyed best wishes of the Government and people of India to the Nepalese leadership and people for their resolve and commitment to promulgate the new constitution early next year.

Both Modi and Koirala underlined the need to resolve pending Nepal-India boundary issues once and for all.

"They welcomed the formation of the Boundary Working Group (BWG) to undertake the construction, restoration and repair of boundary pillars including clearance of 'Noman's land' and other technical tasks. They also welcomed the Joint Commission's decision to direct the Foreign Secretaries to work on the outstanding boundary issues, including Kalapani and Susta receiving required technical inputs from the BWG as necessary. The Indian side stressed on early signing of the agreed and initialed strip maps of about 98% of the boundary. The Nepalese side expressed its desire to resolve all outstanding boundary issues," read the statement.

Modi has extended invitation to Prime Minister of Nepal to pay an official visit to India at an early mutually convenient date.

Koirala accepted the invitation.

"The date will be finalized and communicated through diplomatic channel," read the statement.

During his visit to Nepal, Modi called on Nepal President Dr. Ram Baran Yadav. Yadav hosted a luncheon in honour of Modi.

He addressed the Constituent Assembly and Legislature Parliament of Nepal.

Modi's visit was the first bilateral visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Nepal in 17 years.