KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Dr. Arju Rana, who is currently visiting Oman, held a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Sunday.

Minister Rana arrived in Muscat, Oman’s capital, to attend the Indian Ocean Conference.

Minister Rana shared that their discussions on Sunday evening reaffirmed both leaders’ commitment to enhancing Nepal-India relations.

The talks covered various recent bilateral activities, including exchanges of visits and mutual cooperation between the two nations.

They also reviewed the outcomes of the recent Commerce Secretary-level meeting in Kathmandu and energy-related talks held in New Delhi.

Minister Rana expressed gratitude to the Indian government for supporting Nepal’s electricity exports to India and Bangladesh. The two ministers further discussed the progress in trade transit and water resource development between their countries.

Minister Rana emphasized that the trilateral power trade agreement between Nepal, India, and Bangladesh marked a significant milestone for Nepal’s energy sector, with India’s crucial role in facilitating it.

The discussion also addressed the progress of cross-border power trade ‘modality.’ They reviewed the results from the Nepal-India Intergovernmental Committee meeting in Kathmandu held in January, which included the operation of additional ports at Dhamra and Mundra.

Minister Rana praised India’s progress in the operation of these ports, stressing that they will improve border infrastructure, trade, and connectivity between Nepal and India.

Additionally, both leaders discussed the resolution of technical challenges related to the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project and the ministerial agreement to advance the project positively.

Minister Jaishankar expressed appreciation for the developments on the Upper Arun Project and emphasized the importance of collective progress in the BIMSTEC organization.

Minister Rana reiterated Nepal’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with India, reaffirming the country’s readiness to work together for the mutual benefit of both nations.

The two ministers also discussed key issues around trade, transit, and water resources, with Minister Rana thanking India for its ongoing support for Nepal’s development.