"I have returned to this beautiful country as a friend and I am happy to come here as Prime Minister," said Modi in Nepali language before continuing his speech in Hindi.
Modi recalled that he had visited Nepal as pilgrims long ago.
"Since the day I entered the Prime Minister's office, strengthening relationship with Nepal is one of the top priorities of my government, he said.
In his televised speech, Modi said the world is watching the peace process of Nepal and Nepal has set an example by shunning violence and following the path of peace.
"You have abandoned Shashtra or weapons and followed Shaastra, the scriptures," he said in his 45-minute speech, highlighting the important task of writing the constitution.
"You have abandoned the path of Yuddha or War and followed the path of Buddha," Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit the country in 17 years, said.
"This is the land of Sita and Janak," he added.
"Nepal-India relations are as old as the Himalayas and the Ganga," he said.
"Our relations have not moved forward with mere documents but through the heart of our peoples."
"There is a temple in Varanasi, Kashi, from where I got elected, where Nepalis are the priests and here in Pashupati, you have Indian priests, which signifies close religious ties between the two countries," he pointed out.
"The path of peace chosen by Nepal by shunning violence will inspire those people in the world who are following violence, to pursue peaceful means to attain their goal," he said, adding that the world is watching Nepal closely as global disarmament is related to Nepal's development.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
