Statement by Minister
for Foreign Affairs Hon. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Gyawali on
"Nepal-India
Relations: Development and Dynamics" at a Talk Programme
organized by Pushpalal
Memorial Foundation
(18 July 2019, Hotel
Summit, Lalitpur)
____________________________________________________________________
Chairman of Pushpalal Memorial Foundation and
Former Prime Minister Hon. Mr. Madhav Kumar
Nepal,
Hon. Ministers and Members of Parliament,
Ambassador of India to Nepal
His Excellency Shri Manjeev
Singh Puri,
Distinguished Participants,
Ladies and Gentlemen:
It is a great privilege and honour for me to
speak on the theme of "Nepal-India Relations: Development and
Dynamics". I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Chairman
of Pushpalal Memorial Foundation for organizing this talk programme and also
providing me with this opportunity to share my views.
Let me
begin with the historical relationship between Nepal and India. We know the
relationship between our two countries is time immemorial. History tells us
that even before the modern nations of Nepal and India came into existence,
small kingdoms and princely states existing in the present territories of Nepal
and India had developed flourishing relationship, both at the level of the
government and the people. The bilateral relationship continued to grow in the
subsequent times, reaching the present stage. This active relationship in
continuity speaks volumes of engagements, friendship and cooperation between
our two countries.
The closeness of the relationship between Nepal
and India is based on the robust foundation of geographical proximity,
civilizational and cultural bonds, friendship between the two peoples, and
similar perceptions on many global and regional issues including shared values.
Nepal and India are two independent and sovereign countries; they are immediate
neighbours, sharing a long stretch of boundary; and they exist side by side and
interact much more densely in every sphere of life. When we realize this fact,
we become further closer. And, it also automatically demands from us more
efforts to take the relationship to a new height.
Distinguished Participants,
It is with this spirit that the two countries
have maintained friendly and cooperative relationship at the highest political
level. High level visits at increased frequency have helped not only strengthen
friendship but also fructify the relationship in areas of mutual interest. In
this context, I would like to fondly recall the visits of both prime ministers
and four round of talks last year, which have contributed significantly to
further cementing the bilateral ties and to explore the new vistas of
cooperation.The growth of the relationship has produced tangible outcomes in
many sectors, such as trade, transit, investment, tourism, culture, education,
development cooperation and so on. Besides, continuous dialogues, exchange of
ideas, and agreements, including through dozens of bilateral mechanisms, have
substantially contributed to add dynamism to the relationship.
It is a matter of satisfaction that Nepal-India
relations have been growing in multi-dimensional ways, creating myriads of
opportunities. However, this does not mean that the relations are bereft of
problems and issues. They are there; and it is not unnatural for any friendly
neighbouring countries with wide gamut of relations and dense interaction. What
we need to do is to continue removing obstacles, resolving issues and moving
forward towards extracting the benefits from enhanced bilateral cooperation.
And what gives us enormous satisfaction is that
we have clear vision, sufficient
commitment and required capability in both sides to address those issues.
Another important aspect in our relationship is
that we have to understand the sensitivities of each other. If there is a trust
that sensitivities are well taken care of, it will help grow the relationship
smoothly. We need to continue strengthening cooperation for controlling the
cross-border criminal and unwanted activities, which harm both countries.
Similarly, we must prevent unscrupulous elements from using the soil of one
country against another. Furthermore, a practical solution is also to be worked
out for reducing Nepal's huge trade deficit with India, as the huge imbalance
in trade shows a negative picture.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Given India's huge population, big size of
economy, industrial capacity and technological progress, it has remained a
major source of investment, import items, tourist inflows, technological
support, and development cooperation to Nepal. India is on of the biggest
source of foreign investment in Nepal in terms of amount. Among the source
countries of tourists coming to Nepal, India is on top of all. Likewise, in
Nepal's total imports and exports, India occupies a prominent position. On the
part of Nepal too, investment, export of goods and tourists outflow into India
are there, though in a smaller scale. These facts and figures vindicate the
depth and dynamism of our relationship. Here, what we need to do is to create a
win-win situation for both countries. We have to work out plans for ensuring it
in a sustainable way.
The areas of cooperation in our two countries are
so wide and all-encompassing that potentials exist in almost every sector. We
are blessed with enormous natural resources; we have young and active
population; our history, culture and civilization are rich. Additionally,
people-to-people bonds are strong and dynamic. Interdependence and
interconnectedness are intense. India's economy has already taken momentum,
securing a respectable position in the global economy. It is an opportunity for
Nepal to take the benefit from this economic growth. In Nepal too, economic
growth rates have started going up, which can benefit India as well.
On of the critical issue to collaborate with, is
the issue of climate change. Since the challenges of climate change has scaled
up in unprecedented points, probably we should have to use the term climate
crisis or urgency rather. As both countries are linked with similar climate
system, ecology and Himalayan ranges, problem we face are almost identical. We
can even talk the daily weather forecasts nowadays, the potential floods in
Terai and adjoining parts of Northern India alarms millions of people everyday.
It is a issue, which warrants us to work collaboratively, with sensitivity and
urgency
It is rare to have a highly favourable situation
in both countries, which is available at present, as reflected in the stable
governments enjoying the two-thirds majority in the parliaments, enormous faith
of the peoples in the leaders, accelerating economic growth rates, clear
visions for development and prosperity, and strong commitments for delivery of
outcomes to the peoples. I see it as a golden opportunity for both Nepal and
India. We must do everything possible to tap this opportunity.
On the one hand, we need to work on a new agenda
for development and shared prosperity in the changed scenario; and, on the
other hand, we have to complete the unfinished tasks, clearing ways for novel
ventures. These twin tasks are to be performed simultaneously. Old treaties and
agreements await review for making them appropriate in the present context.
Completion of long-standing bilateral cooperation projects of great
significance, such as Pancheswor and Hulaki Roads, require due priority.
Similarly, resolution of the boundary issues and the permanent solution to the
problems of inundation are other important works to be accomplished.
I am happy to share the facts that a number of
flagship projects between Nepal and India have been carried out. Some of them
have already been completed and some are in the phase of implementation. The
petroleum pipeline project from Motihari to Amlekhgunj is almost ready for
operation. The Integrated Check Post in Birgunj has already started functioning
and the next one in Biratnagar is awaiting its operationalization. Likewise,
some segments of Hulaki Roads have been completed. The process for Raxaul to
Kathmandu Railway line has begun with preliminary survey. The works relating to
Inland Waterways have also started. We are developing strong connectivity with
India through railways and waterways. Cooperation in the field of agriculture
is taking momentum. New air entry points have been finalized to pave the way to
boost the Nepali aviation industry. I am sure it will phenomenally help enhance
movement of goods and people with less cost and less time.
When we talk about our relations, we should also
take into account global developments, as they do have implications on
bilateral relations. The world today has seen unprecedented developments in
geo-politics, geo-economics, technology, and inter-state relations.
Nationalistic fervor, protectionist policies, apathy to multilateralism, and
dissociation from global and regional compacts and commitments have
unexpectedly changed the dynamics of cooperation among countries. In such a
volatile situation, countries like ours have to forge strong cooperation in
order to secure common interests from the international and regional
engagements.
Distinguished Participants,
The Government of Nepal has dedicated its entire
efforts towards realizing the national aspiration of "Prosperous Nepal,
Happy Nepali". To help contribute to this drive, we count high the collaboration with India.
We welcome increased amount of investment from India into Nepal in areas of our
national priority, such as hydropower, transport infrastructure, tourism,
agriculture, ICT, mines and minerals, education, health, manufacturing, etc.
These investments will benefit not only Nepal but also India. In the areas of
trade, enhanced market access for Nepali products in India as well as trade
facilitation are required for reducing the trade deficit of Nepal, making the
trade beneficial for both countries. Similarly, as we are going to celebrate
the year 2020 as the "Visit Nepal Year", we expect more tourists from
India to Nepal in 2020 and beyond. From Nepal’s side too, a lot of Nepali
people visit India every year as tourists. This is one of the important areas
of cooperation between our two countries. As before, I am confident that Nepal
will continue receiving increased amount of development cooperation from India.
While saying so, I would like to thank the Government of India for continuously
extending development cooperation to Nepal in the past as well as increasing
the amount of such cooperation to Nepal in the budget announced recently.
Ladies and Gentlemen
After the historical political change, Nepal now
is perfectly poised for development and prosperity. It is based on the facts on
the ground. First, the country has political stability with a government
enjoying two-thirds majority in the parliament. Second, with a new constitution
as well as new and revised laws, legal base has taken strong roots. Third, good
governance and reform in public service have received adequate priority.
Fourth, revenue mobilization and financial discipline has created conducive
environment in the economic and financial sector. Fifth, the Government of
Nepal has given a tempo to development works. Sixth, a lot of incentives and
facilities for foreign investors, industrialists and businesspersons are
available in the country. Seventh, necessary infrastructure and facilities are
being expanded for foreign tourists for their comfortable and enjoyable stay. Finally,
the Government of Nepal is committed to strengthen ties with its immediate
neighbours and other friendly countries around the world. I am confident that
such a propitious environment will serve as a bedrock for the growth of our
relations, accruing great advantages to both countries.
To end, I would like to say that there is every
room for the expansion and deepening of Nepal-India relations in the days
ahead. Both countries are replete with potentials. There is also the will and
determination to realize these potentials for their development. With mutual
understanding and trust at all levels, we can continue reaping the benefits of
our friendship and cooperation. I see a brighter side in Nepal-India relations.
I wish it to remain brighter forever.
I thank you for your kind attention.
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