India's foreign secretary calls on Minister Lekhak, discusses various issues

 Visiting Foreign Secretary of India, Vikram Misri, today paid a courtesy call on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

In the meeting held at the Singha Durbar-based Home Ministry, the two discussed matters of bilateral interest and concerns, according to the Home Minister's Secretariat.

"Nepal and India observe cordial relations," the Minister said in the meeting, expressing his hope that such ties would be further expanded and consolidated during Foreign Secretary Misri's term.

Acknowledging India as Nepal's significant partner in security, infrastructure, energy, and water resources sectors, the Home Minister thanked India for its contributions to the enhancement of competency of Nepal's security forces and the infrastructure development here.

On the occasion, the Home Minister pledged that no activities against the neighbouring countries would be entertained in Nepali territory. "Nepal's territory will not be allowed to be used for any activities against its neighbors."

He assured of full security of investment from the Government of India in Nepal, underlining the need for scaling up mutual coordination and collaboration between the two countries to combat cross-border crime including drug smuggling.

In response, the foreign secretary spoke of the support and cooperation from India for effective management of borders, combating trans-border crimes, and ensuring the security of the citizens of both countries.

As he highlighted during the meeting, the Government of India is committed to lending its support regarding strengthening Nepal's security and immigration administration.

Wishing a very successful term for Minister Lekhak, the foreign secretary was hopeful that Nepal-India friendly and diplomatic relations would further strengthen in the days to come.

He arrived here on a two-day official visit beginning on Sunday, August 11 at the cordial invitation of Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal.