Nepal’s Foreign Minister Hails “Wonderful” Ties with India, Flags New Avenues for Collaboration

At a bustling press conference in Kathmandu yesterday, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Hari Prasad Bajgain couldn’t hide his optimism when he spoke about the country’s relationship with its giant neighbour, India. He called it a “wonderful relationship” – a phrase that, while simple, carried a lot of weight, especially given the long‑standing ties that bind the two nations.

“We have a wonderful relationship, and that gives us more opportunities to engage on a range of issues,” he said, his voice steady but warm. He went on to underline that this goodwill is not just talk; it’s translating into concrete projects on the ground, from road‑link upgrades to joint disaster‑relief drills.

In the same breath, the minister mentioned trade. “Our commerce is growing, our people are moving more freely, and that’s a sign of a healthy partnership,” he noted, adding that both sides are looking at ways to streamline customs procedures – a small but meaningful step toward smoother cross‑border flow.

Security cooperation also featured prominently. With the Himalayas often in the news for natural calamities, Bajgain stressed the importance of coordinated responses. “When earthquakes strike, we need to act together, share resources, and help each other rebuild,” he said, his eyes briefly scanning the audience as if reminding everyone that the stakes are real.

Beyond the hard numbers, the FM highlighted cultural and people‑to‑people links. He recalled how festivals, music, and even the shared love for momos and chaats keep the friendship alive, day after day. “These are the little things that matter,” he chuckled, a light pause giving the room a moment to smile.

Of course, no relationship is without its challenges. The minister didn’t shy away from acknowledging border concerns, but he framed them as “issues we are ready to resolve through dialogue and mutual respect.” He underscored that both governments have set up a series of high‑level talks to iron out any lingering disputes.

Wrapping up, Bajgain left the press with a hopeful note: “There is a lot more we can do together. The horizon looks bright, and we are eager to explore every possible avenue of cooperation.” His concluding words lingered, suggesting that while the past has set a solid foundation, the future holds even greater promise for India‑Nepal ties.