Can never forget Nepal's love: Modi
He was speaking after inaugurating a trauma centre in capital Kathmandu.
Modi said, "I am fortunate that I have been to Nepal again in a short span of time. I have been to many countries recently, but the memories attached to Nepal... I can never forget the love that Nepal has given me."
Terming India and Nepal's relations as cordial and lively, Modi said: "There is a strong 'engine of trust and confidence' between India and Nepal."
On the trauma centre, which India helped to build, PM said, "This trauma centre is an example of the 'live' relations between Nepal and India (jeevant sambandh)... India will stand with Nepal in upgrading and maintaining this trauma centre."
He further stated, "India is always ready to help save lives here. It's an honour for us that we can get to save lives of our own people. This is a medium of service. I am happy that I have got the opportunity to be here."
Modi reiterated that India's new Government whole-heartedly willing to help Nepal with its developmental programmes.
PM said, "In 100 days, India and Nepal began so many projects together because of vision of their leader.
A thousand mega-watt power plant will start soon. We are also on the verge of reaching consensus on a motor vehicle agreement."
Modi said he is glad that India-Nepal projects are finally picking up pace.
According to him, bus service from Kathmandu to Delhi will not only benefit the common man but also give a boost to tourism.
He said, "We need both highways and i-ways..India will work on your highways and i-ways. E-library will help us facilitate exchange and dissemination of knowledge."
He urged the Nepalese government, lawmakers and all political leaders of the country to arrive at consensus on the constitution.
PM said, "I urge political leaders in Nepal to arrive at a consensus on the constitution. The constitution should be inclusive and the makers in Nepal must ensure that it guarantees equal rights to all."
Modi also expressed his disappointment to cancel the proposed visit to Janakpur, Lumbini and Muktinath scheduled earlier during this trip.
He said, "I wanted to go to Janakpur, Lumbini and Muktinath by road so that I could experience first hand the difficulties faced by people traveling there. But due to lack of time, I couldn't go this time. I understand the disappointment of people there. I promise to visit these places as soon as I have the opportunity in the near future."
Earlier, Prime Minister arrived at Nepal's capital on Tuesday afternoon.
He was given a warm welcome at the airport.
Just after that Modi commented, "This will be my 2nd visit to Nepal within 4 months, which reflects importance we attach to our unique and special relations with Nepal."
He will attend the two-day South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit of eight regional nations.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif will also attend the meet.
Speculations over Modi-Sharif possible meeting are doing rounds in the Nepal capital after Modi reportedly said that he is looking forward to bilateral discussions with other South Asian heads of state on the sidelines of the SAARC summit in Nepal.
According to reports, the two leaders might exchange pleasantries later in the day, when the summit begins.
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) haven't confirmed it officially though.
India had called off talks with Pakistan in August this year over its envoy’s meetings with Kashmiri separatists.
Meanwhile, Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj meanwhile met her Pakistani counterpart Sartaz Aziz on Tuesday on the sidelines of a foreign ministers’ meet.
“The Prime Minister’s intention is to have meaningful dialogue with as many of our South Asian colleagues as possible. This would mean taking into account all aspects of our relationship,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin.
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