Nepal comes first in our neighbourhood first policy, our bond like that of Rama and Sita : PM Modi
Janakpur, May 11 (JEN) : Playing on common religion, mythology and belief that the majority people of both countries share, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sought to come closer to Nepal, the strategic nation he wants to be on his side and away from China, and announced that the Himalayan neighbour comes first in India's "neighbourhood first policy."
In recognition to the religious and cultural affinity that binds India and Nepal, Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus- for religious tourism.
"Janakpur and Ayodhya are being connected. This is a historic moment," Prime Minister Modi said while inaugurating the bus service as part of the Ramayan Circuit to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India..."Culture connects people across boundaries! From the auspicious holy city of Janakpur," Modi announced at the joint development of the Ramayana Circuit as he flagged off a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya.
"India and Nepal have stood by each other through tough times. Nepal occupies primacy in our Neighbourhood First policy," Modi said.
Janakpur is believed to be the birthplace of Sita of the Hindu mythology Ramayana.
Believers claim that Sita was the daughter of Janak, ruler of ancient Mithila, whom Rama, the son of king Dasaratha of Ayodhya married.
"Raja Janak and Raja Dasharatha did not just connect Ayodhya and Janapur but tied India and Nepal in bond of friendship. This is the bond of Ram Sita. This bond pulls people to Pashupatinath and Bodh Gaya, and this is what has pulled me here today," the PM said.
"India Nepal ties are not limited to any definition but the language of faith, relationship, roti and beti (daughter)."
"Without Nepal, India's faith is incomeplete, without Nepal, India's history is incomplete, without Nepal, India's dhams are incomplete, without Nepal, our Ram is incomplete," said Modi.
Observing that Nepal's development is "key to regional development," the PM said it was time collectively safeguard interests.
He also congratulated the people of Nepal for making progress in the way of democracy from what once was a monarchic system.
"Glad that Democracy is being strengthened. It is the first rider to development. Congratulate all of you for successfully holding 3 elections within one year. Formation of regional governments a matter of pride not just for Nepal, but for India too," he said.
Earlier, the PM had arrived in Nepal at the invitation of Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli.
At 10:15 am, PM Modi's plane landed in historical Janakpur, a sub-metropolitan city, and offered prayers at the Janki Temple.
In the afternoon, PM Modi will travel to Kathmandu where he will meet Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun. In the evening, he will hold delegation-level talks with Oli, External Affairs MInistry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
The prime ministers are likely to sign a number of pacts and inaugurate the Rs. 6,000-crore Arun 3 project which is expected to generate around 900 MW of power.
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