We have made significant progress in energy trade: Dahal

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that his India visit has achieved a breakthrough for Nepal’s energy trade.

Talking to Nepali journalists in New Delhi on Friday, Dahal highlighted numerous agreements between the two countries, including those related to Nepal’s electricity trade, transportation, expansion of petroleum pipelines, and economic infrastructure, reached during his India visit.

Dahal also emphasized the significant progress made in the hydropower sector. “An important agreement had been reached with Bangladesh for energy trade,” he added.

He further informed that in accordance with the Mahakali Treaty, Nepal and India have agreed to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the Pancheswar Multi-purpose project within three months.

Dahal also expressed satisfaction with India’s commitment to resolving border issues, noting that he proposed his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi, to make serious efforts for addressing any misunderstandings along the border.

During the visit, several agreements were signed between the two countries, covering energy and hydropower development, trade, construction of power transmission lines and petroleum pipelines, construction of integrated check posts and concrete bridges on the Mahakali River, and facilitating cross-border digital payments.

Prime Minister Dahal’s official visit to India began on May 31 at the invitation of Indian Prime Minister Modi. During his visit, he held meetings with Indian President Draupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhad, and Indian Prime Minister Modi on Thursday.

Dahal is scheduled to visit Indore in Madhya Pradesh on Friday. He will meet the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and observe waste management practices.