‘Wonderful Relationship’: Nepal’s FM Says Ties with India Offer Fresh Avenues for Cooperation

New Delhi – In a breezy yet earnest press conference on Tuesday, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Ramesh Prasad Khadka lauded the long‑standing friendship between the two neighbours, describing it as a “wonderful relationship” that now opens fresh doors for deeper engagement.

Speaking to reporters after a bilateral meeting with Indian counterpart Vinay Kumar Pandey, Khadka said the dialogue covered everything from border management to climate cooperation. “We have always been on the same page when it comes to regional stability,” he added, pausing briefly as if recalling a recent field visit to the border town of Raxaul.

He went on to point out that trade between the two countries has risen by nearly 12 % in the past year, a figure he called “encouraging but still far from what’s possible”. The minister hinted at new projects – a proposed railway line linking Kathmandu with Varanasi, and a joint tourism corridor that could turn the Himalayas into a seamless adventure hub for Indian travelers.

Of course, the conversation wasn’t all sunshine. Khadka acknowledged lingering issues, especially concerning customs procedures and the occasional hiccup in water‑sharing agreements. Yet his tone remained optimistic: “Challenges are just stepping stones. With the goodwill we share, they’re easy to overcome.”

India’s side echoed the sentiment. Pandey noted that New Delhi sees Nepal as a pivotal partner in its “Neighbourhood First” strategy, emphasizing the need for coordinated responses to climate‑induced floods and cross‑border crime.

On a lighter note, the two ministers exchanged anecdotes about their favorite street foods – momos for Khadka and chaat for Pandey – underscoring how cultural ties often bridge diplomatic gaps.

Looking ahead, both sides have agreed to set up a joint task force to fast‑track infrastructure projects and to hold an annual “India‑Nepal Friendship Forum” in Kathmandu. As Khadka summed up, “The future looks bright, and there’s a lot more we can do together.”