Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli jointly inaugurated the India-Nepal cross-border petroleum pipeline through video conferencing on Tuesday. This pipeline project is the first of its kind in India-Nepal and South Asia. In his vote of thanks, Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli mentioned meeting PM Modi last year on the ceremony of formally launching the project and expressed his happiness on the completion of the project within half the scheduled timeframe. Oli said that the project will not only save time and reduce cost but also curb air pollution and lessen road traffic while opening avenues in Nepal to open similar pipelines across the country.  

Nepalese PM KP Sharma Oli: “I am ready to work hand in hand with Modi Ji” 

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More bilateral projects in the pipeline

Oli appended that the project, without a doubt will enhance inter-connectedness and inter-dependence between the two countries, reiterating the fact that Nepal-India cooperation is not limited to few projects but also extends to more bilateral projects covering various areas of cooperation such as railways, inland waterways, hydro-power generation, integrated check posts, bridges, agriculture, tourism, etc, in pipeline and that the early completion of these projects will enormously help the two nations.  

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'No area of cooperation untouched'

Oli expressed his contentment on the momentum gathered on the implementation of Indian projects following the understanding between him and Modi in previous meetings. While emphasizing how important India’s relations are with Nepal, Oli stated that there is no area of cooperation left untouched, yet there is always a scope of expanding it further.  

Oli said while expressing gratitude said, “I will also like to appreciate the work relating to post-earthquake reconstruction of about 50,000 houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot district of Nepal under India’s financial assistance. These houses stand as a symbol of India’s support and friendly gesture to the people of Nepal.”  
 

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Oli commended PM Modi’s vision of “Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” while aligning with his vision of “Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali” and stated that both nations are at an important juncture of history having strong governments which are true to their political commitment and with a strong determination to realize them. 

The Nepalese PM at the end of his speech extended an invitation to PM Modi to visit Nepal.

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