Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shishir Khanal has said that Nepal is committed to further expanding and strengthening relations with India from a new perspective.
Speaking in a special interview with Indian television NDTV on Saturday, he said that the government came to power with strong public support within just four years of the formation of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). He said the government was eager to deepen the multifaceted relationship between Nepal and India.
Minister Khanal added that although Nepal and India share an open border, both countries respect and accommodate each other’s security concerns. “There is a need to further expand the warm and multidimensional ties between the two neighbors,” he added.
Referring to his meeting with his Indian counterpart, S Jaishankar, during an event in Mauritius, Khanal said the two countries should cooperate in every possible area. He added that Nepal expects India’s support, investment and collaboration in sectors such as trade, energy, infrastructure, education, healthcare, technology and connectivity.
He also expressed confidence that India would continue supporting Nepal’s efforts to export electricity to Bangladesh.
“We are not dwelling on the past. In the past, we were unable to benefit as much as we should have from development opportunities offered by our two large neighboring countries. Now, we will use diplomatic relations to create mutual benefits and a positive future,” Khanal said. “By identifying areas for stronger cooperation, we will establish new and diverse partnerships aimed at improving the livelihoods of the Nepali people.”
According to Khanal, the grand reception extended by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)during the recent visit of RSP President Rabi Lamichhane to India has provided fresh momentum for elevating bilateral relations to a new level.
Khanal also expressed confidence that concrete agreements on cooperation would soon be reached in areas such as railway expansion in Nepal, the development of educational institutions and the expansion of technology.
