India hands over 61 vehicles for March 5 elections

KATHMANDU: India has provided motor vehicles and other logistical support to the government to assist with preparations for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.

In a ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday, the first tranche of election-related assistance from India was formally handed over to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal.

The Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Dr Rakesh Pandey, handed over 61 double-cab pickup vehicles along with other supplies requested by the Nepali government for election preparations.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister Aryal thanked the Government and people of India for the support and said the assistance reflected the deep and comprehensive ties between the two countries.

India has been providing election-related support to Nepal since 2008. So far, the southern neighbor has gifted around 2,400 motor vehicles to various ministries and departments, including the Election Commission.

India has committed to providing around 650 vehicles for the upcoming elections. According to the embassy, the vehicles will be delivered in batches over the next few weeks.