India set to host Nepal PM, lines up series of engagements

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will host his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba next week, as India plans a series of engagements.

Deuba will arrive in New Delhi on Wednesday to commence his five-day visit to India. This is his first official visit to India after taking over as prime minister of Nepal on June 7. The visit comes amidst a border standoff between India and China in Doklam plateau in Bhutan, and the two Asian powers are seeking support from countries in the region.

According to the officials, Infrastructure, LPG supply, hydropower, trade and connectivity are the major areas where the two countries will be focussing on.

An MoU for building a bridge over the Mechi river and also discussion on expediting the 5600-MW Pancheshwar multi-purpose power project is also expected during the visit.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will visit Dhaka to meet her Bangladesh counterpart Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali. She will also call on Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

China has been trying to spread its tentacles in South Asia. Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives are among the South Asian nations, which have been a theatre of competition between India and China for geopolitical influence.

OneIndia News