India and Nepal ink three agreements during Modi-Koirala meet

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, today had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushil Koirala. Delegation-level

talks were also held between the two sides.

Modi highlighted that the biggest focus of the two nations should be development. "Sabka saath, sabka vikaas" is relevant for India's neighbours too, he asserted.

Stressing the need for prioritizing infrastructure in the pace of development, Narendra Modi said that the bridge of trust between the two nations

should be strengthened.

Asserting that India respects Nepal's sovereignty, the Prime Minister hoped that the process of Constitution-making would be completed soon.

The Prime Minister of Nepal, Sushil Koirala endorsed the Prime Minister's view on working together with mutual confidence and trust. He sought

India's assistance in several development projects. Peace and stability are essential for development, he asserted.

The Prime Minister appreciated the Constituent Assembly's objective of a federal democratic republic

Later, three agreements were signed between India and Nepal, in the presence of the two Prime Ministers:

An agreement on Letter of Exchange for establishing Pancheswor Development Authority was signed along with two others, an MoU in the health sector for Goitre Control Programme, and Cooperation between Doordarshan and Nepal TV.

The two Prime Ministers released a commemorative postage stamp to mark the visit of the Prime Minister of India.

Earlier today, Modi reached Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu today for his maiden bilateral visit to fellow SAARC nation Nepal, where he was given a guard of honour.

Modi who is being accompanied by a high level delegation was received by the country's Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Nepal in 17 years, and in his departure statement he has said that he hopes to take the Indo-Nepal

relationship to an entirely new level.