Indian Prime Minister Modi in Lumbini

The Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi has just arrived here for an official visit to Nepal. He arrived here from a helicopter of the Indian Air Force, leading an 11-member delegation. 

"Landed in Nepal. Happy to be among the wonderful people of Nepal on the special occasion of Buddha Purnima. Looking forward to the programs in Lumbini," Modi tweeted after landing in Nepal.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba warmly welcomed his Indian counterpart Modi at the helipad constructed near the International Buddhist Prayer Center and Auditorium here. The distinguished guests were welcomed by Prime Minister and his wife Dr. Arju Rana Deuba, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khan, Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr. Narayan Khadka, Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Renukumari Yadav, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale and Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Devendra Poudel. Lumbini Chief Minister Kul Prasad KC, Chief Secretary to the Government of Nepal Shanradas Bairagi, Foreign Secretary Bharatraj Poudel, Nepali Ambassador to India Dr. Shankar Sharma, Acting Ambassador of the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu Namya Khampal also extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests.

After disembarking from the helicopter, he greeted the assembled public by shaking hand and paid obeisance at the Mayadevi temple.

He was accompanied by Prime Minister Deuba for prayers at the Maya Devi Temple on the auspicious occasion of Buddha Jayanti.

Apart from visiting the holy Maya Devi Temple, the Indian PM participated in the "Shilanyas" ceremony of the India International Centre for Buddhist Culture & Heritage in the Lumbini Monastic Zone. He also attended celebrations to mark the occasion of Buddha Jayanti organized by the Government of Nepal.

During PM Modi's short visit, India and Nepal are expected to sign five Memorandum of Understandings (MoU) to strengthen bilateral cooperation

In his departure statement, Indian PM Modi said he looks forward to meeting Prime Minister Deuba again to continue to expand India-Nepal cooperation in multiple areas, including hydropower, development, and connectivity.

"I am honored to follow in the footsteps of millions of Indians to pay reverence at the sacred site of Lord Buddha's birth," PM Modi had said.

"Our ties with Nepal are unparalleled. The civilizational and people-to-people contacts between India and Nepal form the enduring edifice of our close relationship," he added.