India, Nepal tout 'strong relations'

India and Nepal on Saturday touted strong bilateral relationship, dousing the Chinese hopes.

"We have strong relations when it comes to the aspect of security and are committed towards stopping misuse of our open borders," said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while issuing a joint press statement with Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the national capital.

The Prime Minister also assured his Nepalese counterpart of continuous India's contribution towards Nepal development.

"There is a long history of India's contribution towards Nepal's development, I have assured PM Oli that this will continue in future."

PM Modi underscored "at improving waterways and railways with Nepal", and noting that the two leaders reviewed the progress in various "such" connectivity projects.

Dwelling upon the connectivity, PM Modi stressed that the two sides have agreed to work towards a new railway line connecting Kathmandu with India.

The visiting Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, echoing the sentiments of PM Modi, underscored the significance of bilateral relationship.

"Nepal attaches great importance to its relations with India, our countries enjoy age old historical ties & have many things to offer to each other," said PM Oli.

Expressing hopes on PM Modi's Nepal visit, PM Oli said, "I invited PM Modi to pay a visit to Nepal at the earliest convenient time, I am hopeful that the visit will take place soon.

The two leaders inaugurated India - Nepal petroleum products pipeline from Delhi.

Later in the day, Prime Minister Oli will meet Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu at his house at 6, Maulana Azad Road.

Finally, in the evening, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a talk with Nepal's Prime Minister at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Prime Minister Oli is accompanied by his wife Radhika Shakya and an entourage of ministers, Members of Parliament (MPs), secretaries and other high-ranking officials of the Nepal Government on his maiden visit to India.