PM Narendra Modi gives Rs 1 billion to develop Sita's birthplace

Modi said this was his third visit to Nepal since assuming office in 2014 and it shows his government's "deep commitment" to further strengthen ties with Nepal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday Nepal is on the top of India's ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, as he announced a Rs 1-billion package to develop Janakpur.

Earlier in the day, Modi landed in Janakpur, revered as the birthplace of Sita, and along with Nepal PM K P Oli inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya as part of a ‘Ramayan Circuit’ to promote religious tourism. Modi also visited the 20th century Janaki temple, dedicated to Sita, where he offered special prayers. 

Modi and Oli on Friday jointly laid the foundation stone of the 900-megawatt Arun III Hydroelectric