PM Narendra Modi expresses commitment for Nepal's socio-economic development

Kathmandu, Aug 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed his commitment to extend all possible support for Nepal's socio-economic development.

He made this comment when Nepal Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey paid a courtesy call on him after he landed in the Himalayan nation's capital earlier in the day for a two-day visit.

Modi expressed his commitment to further consolidate exchanges and interactions between the people of the two countries, according to a Nepal foreign ministry statement.

The Indian leader also stressed on the need to implement decisions rather than holding meetings.

On his part, Pandey, while welcoming Modi, touched upon the warm, cordial and cooperative relationship between Nepal and India. He also highlighted the progress made during the visit to Nepal by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj July 25-27 and the meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission.

He briefly mentioned the important areas of interest and cooperation between the two sides, and gave a brief account of the programme prepared for Modi.

Modi condoles Nepal tragedy

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday offered condolences after a landslide killed at least eight people in Nepal.

The disaster hurled huge amounts of mud and rocks blocking the Bhotekoshi river Saturday. A small village was buried and at least 150 people were reported missing.

After the landslide, the river formed a large lake in Sindhupalchowk district, about 60 km from Kathmandu.

Modi's statement came shortly after his arrival here on a two-day visit, Nepal foreign ministry said.

On his part, Foreign Minister Mahendra Bahadur Pandey voiced sorrow over the deaths and destruction in a landslide near Pune. Pandey expressed his views when he met Modi.

IANS