Positive expectations from PM Modi, says Oli on India visit

Nepal Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on Friday said he has positive expectations from his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, ahead of his meeting with the Prime Minister.

Speaking to the media, Oli said, "My expectations from Prime Minister Modi are positive. And that is why I came here (to India). We want to have good relations with India."

On being asked about Nepal's growing relations with China, the Nepali Prime Minister said that the country has two neighbours and would work together with India and China for ensuring good relations.

Earlier on Friday, Oli arrived in India on a three-day state visit. The visiting dignitary was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of State (MoS) Finance S.P. Shukla.

The Nepal Prime Minister 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.

Oli will be holding a meeting with the Nepali business community of both the countries on Friday, followed by a diplomatic reception by the Embassy of India.

On Saturday, Oli will attend a ceremonial reception and inspect a guard of honour at the Rashtrapati Bhawan will meet President Ram Nath Kovind and Vice-President M. Venkaiah Naidu. He will pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat.

He will then hold official talks with Prime Minister Modi and exchange views on matters of mutual interests.

The Nepal Prime Minister will also visit Pantnagar in Uttarakhand and attend a programme organised at Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology.