Sub
Inspector Wanchuk Sharpa of ITBP, and two porter Sherpas from Darjeeling, leading the
first party of mountaneers climbed India’s highest mountain peak, Kanchenjunga
(28,591 feet) on May 20, 2000. It is the first time that this peak has been scaled
from the South-West face by an Indian team. According
to the leader of the expedition, Mr. S.D. Sharma, an Everester, the progress of the
expedition had been as per schedule. The
ITBP expedition was flagged off by the Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee,
on April 1. The expedition members camped at Kathmandu on 6-9 April for making
arrangements, where Ambassador of India, Shri K.V. Rajan gave them a send-off, and then
began their four weeks’ trek to move into the higher Himalayas. No.KAT/13/2000
May 11, 2000 The Embassy of India have released a sum of
Nepalese Rupees 7 million as the first installment for construction of the right
embankment on Lalbakaya river in Nepal.An amount of Nepalese RS. 33 million
(approximately) will be spent by the Government of India on the extension of embankment on
this river.The construction work in District Rautahat of Nepal has already begun.The
entire construction work is being supervised by Department of Irrigation of His
Majesty’s Government. The decision to
execute the project and the modalities for its implementation was taken in a joint meeting
of the experts of the two countries held in Kathmandu in February, 1999.The joint meeting
had also finalized the work schedule for the implementation of the project.The extension
of right embankment on Lalbakaya river would mitigate the problem of inundation along the
river in Nepal. No.KAT/14/2000 May 15, 2000 Two Nepali students,
Shri Rabindra Baskota and Shri Tsering Shrestha from Kathmandu have been awarded Special
Prize for their essays in English language on ‘The Role of Education and Culture in
Development’ in the ‘Maulana Azad Essay Competition- 1998’ The Special
Prize will carry cash prize and citation. No.KAT/10/2000 April 27, 2000 A five member delegation from Nepal, at the invitation of Government of India,left for New Delhi on April 25, 2000 to take part in the ‘Millennium Youth Parliament’ to be held in New Delhi between April 26-27, 2000.The event is being organized by the Department of Youth Affairs & Sports, Ministry of Culture,Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India with the objective to provide an opportunity to the young achievers from the different walks of life from SAARC Countries to make their constructive contribution in the discussions on various youth issues.The Nepalese delegation comprises of Shri Hom Raj Dahal, Ex-parliamentarian; Mr. Shyam Sunder Prasad Shah, Youth Activist ; Ms. Pratima Gautam, Student Leader ; Ms. Rina Upreti, Student leader and Mr. Shreeram Thapa, Section Officer, Ministry of Education and Sports, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal. No.KAT/11/2000 April 27, 2000 SAARC Writers Conference , 2000 in New Delhi A high level delegation of top ranking literary personalities from Nepal left for New Delhi on April 27,2000 to participate at the SAARC Writers Conference, 2000 to be held at New Delhi between April 28-30, 2000. Apart from India more than 40 delegates from six SAARC countries are participating in the conference.The President of India H.E. Shri K.R. Narayanan will be inaugurating the Conference and the Vice President of India H.E. Krishna Kant will be the Chief Guest at the Valedictory Function.The conference is being organized by the Academy of Fine Arts and Literature, New Delhi, India, with the support of Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and UNESCO.Keeping in view the declaration of the International Year of Culture for Peace by UNESCO,the theme of the Conference has been aptly chosen as ‘Writers, Peace and Culture of South Asia’.Apart from sharing their common concerns for creating a better world, the delegates, particularly, writers will share information and experiences about the developments in the lang- uage, literature and writings in their respective country and explore features of common heritage, as also age-old historical and cultural links, and find ways of setting up a machinery for regular exchange of creative writings and to work for peace in the South Asian Region. The Nepalese delegation consists of eminent litterateurs and scholars such as Shri Mohan Koirala, Kavivar Madhav Prasad Ghimire, Professor Dhuswan Sayami, Mrs.Toya Gurung, Shri Kali Prasad Rizal, Shri Tulsi Diwas, Shri Kamal mani Dixit, Professor Abhi Subedi, Professor (Mrs.) Usha Thakur & Ms. Manjushree Thapa. Shri Muktesh K. Pardeshi, First Secretary (Culture), Embassy of India and Secretary of BP Koirala India-Nepal Foundation will also be attending the Conference.
The B.P. Koirala India-Nepal
Foundation, in collaboration with the Nepal Administrative Staff College, organised a
lecture on ‘Improving Public Governance in South Asia’ by Mr. Tejendra Khanna,
Chairman, Ranbaxy Laboratories and formerly Lt. Governor of Delhi and Commerce Secretary
to the Government of India, on Wednesday, April 26, 2000 at Nepal Administrative
Staff College, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur.H.E. Mr. K.V. Rajan, Ambassador of India and
Co-chairperson, BPKF and Mr. Shambhu Prasad Sharan Kayastha, Executive Director, NASC also
spoke on the occasion. The lecture was attended by intellectuals, civil servants, members
of diplomatic corps and press. The B.P. Koirala India-Nepal Foundation was instituted in December 1991 through an MOU between His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and the Government of the Republic of India.The BPKF was set up to foster educational, cultural,scientific and technical cooperation and to promote mutual understanding between the peoples of India and Nepal.Among its wide range of activities, the BPKF has been organizing lectures and discussions on themes of contemporary relevance. Mention may be made of the last three lectures delivered by distinguished personalities like Mr. J.N. Dixit, former Foreign Secretary of India, Dr.Abid Hussain, eminent scholar and former Ambassador to the United States, and Hon’ble Mr.I.K.Gujral, former Prime Minister of India.
Mr. Tejendra Khanna holds Masters in Physics from Patna University and in Public Administration from University of California, USA.He has had a distinguished career as a civil servant.Having joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1961, Mr. Khanna has held important positions such as Managing Director, Punjab State Industrial Development Corporation,Commercial Counselor, High Commission of India, London, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister of Punjab, Secretary to Government of Punjab,Chief Controller of Imports and Exports, Government of India, Chief Secretary to the Government of Punjab, Food Secretary, Government of India and finally Commerce Secretary to the Government of India.After his retirement from the Indian Administrative Service, Mr. Khanna served as Lt. Governor of Delhi during 1997-98.Presently, he is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ranbaxy Laboratories, the premier Indian pharmaceutical company. No.KAT/9/2000 April 26, 2000 Chief Minister of Goa calls on the Prime Minister of Nepal Chief Minister of the Indian State of Goa,Shri Francisco Sardinha called on the Rt. Hon’ble Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri G.P.Koirala, today in the morning and discussed the possibilities of cooperation in the tourism sector between Nepal and Goa.Shri Sardinha is in Kathmandu to participate in the “Goa Zatras” Festival, which was started on April 22 and will go on till April 28. A special function was organised at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kathmandu yesterday (April 25),which was graced by the Hon’ble Foreign Minister of Nepal, Shri Chakra Bastola; Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation of Nepal, Shri Tarini Datta Chatout; Hon’ble Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies of Nepal, Shri Ram Krishna Tamrakar; Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa, Shri Sardinha; and the Ambassador of India in Nepal, Shri K.V. Rajan. Shri Bastola, in his address on this occasion, said that organisation of festivals like the Goa Zatras was a novel idea for promotion of bilateral cooperation in the field of tourism and culture.Shri Sardinha, Chief Minister of Goa said that the combination of the snow in Nepal and sea and sand in Goa can be utilised for promotion of tourism in the region. For the Festival, master chefs from Goa have been specially flown in to create the culinary magic.The dignitaries were treated with some of the famous and authentic dishes of the Goan cuisine, including Sorpotel and PorkVindaloo The ambience was further enhanced by the exotic dances performed by the Goan cultural troupe, including the traditional dances, such as Dekhni, Ghode Morni and Kunbi Kher. No.KAT/7/2000 April 20, 2000 Goan "Zatras" Festival in kathmandu A week long Goan Zatras Festival will be held at the Himalchuli Restaurant in Soaltee Crowne Plaza from 22 April until 28 April, 2000, in association with Embassy of India and the Government of Goa State of India, and with the support of B.P. Koirala India-Nepal Foundation. This festival will bring the best of Goan cuisine and culture over to Kathmandu for the first time and is intended to highlight the potential and prospects of cooperation between the two favourite tourist destinations in South Asia – Kathmandu and Goa.The festival has been appropriately named after “Zatras” which are popular Goan village fairs. These Zatras are held all round the year in Goa to celebrate various festivals of both Hindu and Christian origin. For the festival, master chefs from Goa have been specially flown in to create the culinary magic.The ambiance will be further enhanced by the exotic dances performed by a Goan cultural troupe. Picturesque Goa nestled along the western coast of India will be showcased in terms of both food and culture in the Himalchuli restaurant for eight days presenting a wonderful opportunity for Kathmanduites and visitors alike to sample a piece of Goa in the Himalayas. Goa, the ancient
Goamanchala of Vedic fame, was under the Portuguese for nearly 451 years until 1961 and
the result of this great mix of cultures is today a happy blend of Eastern and Western
cultures.The Goan cuisine also reflects the mixing of predominantly Indian way of cooking
with Portuguese influence. Music is a way of life with the Goans.While traditional music still remains strong in the rural areas, the urban areas have taken to more modern music styles and genres.During the Zatra festival, the visiting Goan cultural troupe will be performing some of the well known traditional dances such as Dekhni, Ghodemodni, Kunbi Khel. A high level
delegation led by the Chief Minister of Goa, Hon’ble Francisco Sardinha, will be here
in Kathmandu from April 24, 2000 to grace the occasion. PRESS RELEASE No.KAT/42/99 November 11, 1999 Enclosed is the text of a Joint Press Statement issued today by the Government of India and Ministry of Water Resources, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal regarding the opening of the Joint Project Office – Pancheshwar Investigations (JPO-PI) and its Field Offices. Joint Press Statement India and Nepal have moved an important step forward towards the successful completion of the Joint Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Pancheshwar Multi-purpose Project, with the approvals by the respective Governments for the opening of the Joint Project Office-Pancheshwar Investigations (JPO-PI) in Kathmandu. The approvals, which were conveyed by the two Governments on November 1, 1999, will facilitate the carrying out of additional investigations and studies required to prepare the joint DPR expeditiously. The JPO-PI and its field offices are expected to be operational within the next few days after the logistical arrangements for the physical opening of these offices are tied up. The JPO-PI would be in operation for a period of two years from the date of its opening or until the completion of the DPR, whichever is earlier. It would function under the direction of the Joint Group of Experts (JGE) of India and Nepal constituted for the purpose by the two Governments. The JPO-PI would have a group of technical officers, comprising both Indian and Nepalese personnel, along with support staff. For functional reasons and considering easy accessibility, it has also been agreed to open a Divisional Office at Tanakpur in India and three field offices, located at Pancheshwar, at Tamli for Rupaligad and at Thuligad for Purnagiri to carry out field works.The facilities available at Pancheshwar camp on the Nepalese side would also be maintained and utilised for the works.The Divisional Offices and the field offices would be placed under the JPO-PI in Kathmandu and operate under its overall supervision and control. As earlier agreed, India would fund all studies and additional investigations on both the sides (India and Nepal), which would be carried out jointly with Nepal. The cost incurred towards the additional investigations and studies required for the preparation of the joint DPR would be a part of the project cost to be shared by both the countries. It may be recalled that during the visit of the Minister of External Affairs of India in September 1999, it was agreed that the JPO-PI would be established in Kathmandu, preferably by November 1, 1999. NO. KAT/41/99 4 NOVEMBER, 1999 STATEMENT OF OFFICIAL SPOKESMAN OF MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, NEW DELHI ON SAARC SUMMIT On account of the military coup d’etat in Pakistan and the consequent concern and disquiet expressed in the region and beyond, the Government of India has informed the SAARC Chairperson and Nepal, as the host country for the next Summit, that in the interest of SAARC and of a productive meeting, it would be appropriate to defer the Summit for the time being. India’s lasting commitment to the achieving of the socio-economic goals, envisioned by SAARC, remains undiluted and is second to none. New Delhi PRESS RELEASE No.KAT/40/99 November 4, 1999 Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, is offering an "Advanced Course in Development Journalism for Non-aligned and Developing Countries". The duration of the course is from January 10, 2000 to April 7, 2000. Two slots are available for training of journalists from Nepal in the course. Applications are invited from interested persons who fulfil the following eligibility conditions:-
Applications with complete bio data are invited from the interested journalists in Nepal for the training programme. The applications with the bio data must reach First Secretary(Press & Information), Embassy of India, PO Box 292, Lainchor, Kathmandu (Fax No. 420129; E-Mail: eipi@mos.com.np) by Tuesday, November 16, 1999. Applications received after this date will not be considered. On the basis of eligibility, suitable candidates will be called for a test of proficiency in English and interview on Wednesday, November 24. PRESS RELEASE NO. KAT/39/99 4 November, 1999 Meeting of Joint Technical-Level India-Nepal Boundary Committee The 22nd meeting of the Joint Technical-level India-Nepal Boundary Committee (JTC) was held at Kathmandu from 2 to 4 November, 1999. The Indian delegation was led by Lt. Gen. A.K. Ahuja, Surveyor General of India, while the Nepalese delegation was led by Mr. Babu Ram Acharya, Director General, Survey Department, HMGN. Prior to the JTC meeting, survey officials of the two countries held preparatory discussions at Kathmandu on 31 October – 1 November, 1999. The meeting took place in pursuance of the directive given by the Foreign Ministers of the two countries in their Joint Press Statement of 11 September, 1999, asking the JTC to expedite its work on the identification of the India-Nepal boundary with the aim of completing it in a time-bound manner. The JTC noted with appreciation that there had been good progress in the joint field work in the field season 1998-99. It was agreed, however, that the joint work must be accelerated. Accordingly, a revised schedule was worked out for completing the remaining work within a mutually agreed time-frame. It was, inter alia, agreed that field work would be completed in three field seasons, namely, 1999 - 2000, 2000 - 2001 and 2001 - 2002. Final preparation of strip maps and finalization of modalities for periodic inspection and maintenance of the boundary would be completed by 2003. The two sides were satisfied with the outcome of these discussions. The meeting was held in a most cordial atmosphere in keeping with the close and friendly relationship between the two countries. PRESS RELEASE No. KAT/37/99 30 September, 1999 EMBASSY OF INDIA WEBSITE UPDATED We are happy to announce that the website of the Embassy of India, Kathmandu (http://www.south-asia.com/Embassy-India) has been extensively updated and now contains several new and attractive features. This website is designed to provide maximum and up-to-date information in a user-friendly manner on various aspects of India and Nepal and on India-Nepal relations. Some of the highlights of the the website are as follows:
Everyone is invited to visit us at http://www.south-asia.com/Embassy-India and also give us suggestions on how to make the website even more informative and user-friendly. No.Kat/31/99 September 10, 1999 Prime Minister Inaugurates ICUs at Prasuti Griha, September 10, 1999 The Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Bhattarai, inaugurated the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Maternal Intensive Care Unit(MICU) at Sri Panch Indra Rajya Lakshmi Devi Maternity Hospital(Prasuti Griha) in the presence of the Hon'ble External Affairs Minister of India, Shri Jaswant Singh, at a ceremony held on September 10, 1999. The Minister for Health, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, Ambassador of India, HE Mr. K.V. Rajan, and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion. 2. Both the ICUs have state-of-the-art equipments for Neo-natal and Maternal care. There are 8 beds in each of the ICUs. As part of the setting up of the ICUs, training programmes for the Doctors and Para-Medical personnel of Prasuti Griha have also been conducted in India. 3. The Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister thanked the Indian Government for all the assistance which has been extended for the development of the Prasuti Griha in the last 40 years. Mr. Bhattarai spoke about the warm relations which have been in existence between the two countries since time immemorial. He requested India to continue extending such assistance in the future also. 4. Speaking on the occasion, Hon'ble External Affairs Minister of India, Shri Jaswant Singh mentioned that our association with the Prasuti Griha exists from its inception. He assured the distinguished gathering that assistance would continue to be extended in the future also. 5. During the last forty years, the Prasuti Griha has grown into a premier medical institution dedicated to the welfare of women and children of Nepal. Further, it has assisted in the process of creating a generation of healthy mothers and children. 6. It has been a privilege for India to have been closely associated with this great medical institution. Over the years, the Government of India has been making a humble contribution for the growth of this institution. India had assisted earlier in the expansion of the existing building and the setting up as well as equipping of a pathological laboratory. Some equipment such as ambulance vans, incubators etc were provided. Training courses for nurses from this institution were arranged. The Indian Women's Club of Nepal had also contributed its share in the form of gifting equipment to this great Institution. In 1991, the Resident Doctor's Quarters Complex and Research Study Centre were constructed under Indian assistance. No. KAT/33/99 September 9, 1999 Prime Minister Inaugurates BPKIHS, Dharan The Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. K.P. Bhattarai, inaugurated the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences(BPKIHS) in the presence of the Hon'ble External Affairs Minister of India, Shri Jaswant Singh, at a ceremony held on September 9, 1999 in Dharan. Hon'ble Health Minister, Dr. Ram Baran Yadav, H.E. Ambassador of India in Nepal, Shri K.V. Rajan, Vice-Chancellor of BPKIHS, Dr. Shekhar Koirala and a host of other dignitaries were also present on this occasion. 2. B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences is one of the most prestigious projects undertaken in Nepal. This project has been executed in the true spirit of bilateral cooperation. 3. Speaking on this occasion, the Rt. Hon'ble Prime Minister thanked the Indian Government for its assistance in this project as also their association with the development of the health sector and other infrastructural sectors in Nepal during the past 50 years. 4. Speaking in Hindi, Hon'ble External Affairs Minister of India, Shri Jaswant Singh mentioned about the age old warm and friendly relations between the two countries. He mentioned that India has been privileged to be associated with the developmental efforts of Nepal. He expressed the hope that BPKIHS will soon become a 'Centre of Excellence' in the SAARC Region. The Minister assured the distinguished gathering of Government of India's continuous support and association in the development of Nepal. Acceding to Nepal’s request, Shri Jaswant Singh also announced that Government of India’s commitment for sending medical faculty to BPKIHS till 2004 will be extended for a further period of five years. 5. There has been extensive collaboration between the two sides in this project. The work at BPKIHS was to be completed in two phases – (a) Phase I comprised of conversion of some of the existing structures into laboratories, class rooms, faculty officers, boys and girls hostels, kitchen and dining hall and library etc. and (b) Phase Ii covered the construction of the new hospital building of 350 beds and a college building along with other ancillary service buildings so as to eventually provide a 550 bed Teaching Hospital. The Phase I of the project was completed in October 1994 and Phase II has been completed in December 1998. All buildings and services installed at BPKIHS have since been handed over to BPKIHS authorities. The total plinth area of the building is 48,000 square meters(roughly 11 acres). 6. Government of India's contribution in financial terms is NRs. 1280 million out of which NRs. 992 million is towards the creation of the building infrastructure along with certain essential services including a provision of NRs. 192 million for state-of-art equipment medical equipment. The remaining NRs. 256 million account for the establishment costs of the engineering and medical experts from India. No.KAT/32/99 EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MINISTER OF INDIA MEETS EX-SERVICEMEN OF INDIAN ARMY His Excellency, Mr. Jaswant Singh, Minister of External Affairs of India, visited the Pension Paying Office of the Embassy of India at Dharan on the morning of 9 September, 1999. He laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Memorial and addressed a large rally of the Nepal-domicile ex-servicemen of the Indian Army. He lauded the role of the Nepali Gurkha soldiers of the Indian Army, who had earned universal admiration and respect for their dedication, professionalism and courage. He made a special reference to the bravery of the Nepali Gurkha soldiers in the recently-concluded Operation Vijay in Kargil. He remarked that the Indian nation and the Indian Army greatly valued their outstanding contribution. The External Affairs Minister also praised the role of the Pension Paying Office for carrying out various welfare schemes for the ex-servicemen, apart from disbursing pension in a timely and effective manner. Maj. Gen. J.B.S. Yadava, Colonel of the 11th Gurkha Rifles, and Col. S. Samuel, Defence Attache in the Indian Embassy, also addressed the rally. Lt. Col. (Retd.) B.B. Rai thanked the Minister on behalf of the ex-servicemen and presented him with mementos. No.KAT/30/99 September 2, 1999 40th Anniversary Celebrations of On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, Paropakar Shri Panch Indra Rajya Laxmi Devi Prasuti Griha celebrated its 39th Anniversary on September 2, 1999. The Rt. Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Krishna Prasad Bhattarai was the Chief Guest on the occasion. The Minister for Health, Mr. Ram Baran Yadav, Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. K. V. Rajan and a host of other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The Prime Minister thanked the Indian Government and the Ambassador for all the assistance and help which has been extended for the Prasuti Griha in the last 40 years. Mr. Bhattarai spoke about the warm relations which have existed between the two countries since time immemorial. He appreciated the help that has already been given and requested India to continue extending such assistance in the future also. The Ambassador of India, H.E. Mr. K. V. Rajan mentioned that our association with this hospital exists from its inception. He assured the distinguished gathering that assistance would continue to be extended in the future also within the resources available. The Ambassador of India also expressed his satisfaction that the Maternal Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Neo - Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) which have been set up with Government of India's assistance have come up very well and that these will become fully functional after the inauguration of the units on September 10, 1999. The Ambassador complimented the hospital authorities and staff for providing excellent facilities to the public. Paropakar Shri Panch Indra Rajya Lakshmi Devi Maternity Hospital, popularly known as the Prasuti Griha was the first maternity hospital to be established in Nepal. This is still the only maternity hospital in the country. The hospital was set up in the year 1959 and was named after the first wife of His Majesty, King Mahendra. Right from its inception, the Government of India has shown keen interest in the development of this hospital and has contributed substantially towards its growth. PRESS RELEASE Handing-over of books by Embassy of India to
Kathmandu University 1.There is a significant amount of cooperation between Nepal and India in the field of education and human resourcedevelopment since the last five decades. A large number of Nepalese students continue to go to India for higher studies. This has resulted in improving and developing the quality of human resources in Nepal. 2. As part of its continuing programme to assist in the field of education, the Embassy of India has been presenting books to various libraries all over the country. 3.On behalf of the Govt. of India, Mr. K.V. Rajan, Ambassador of India presented more than 350 books in various disciplines to Kathmandu University on August 20th. He hoped that these books would help in enriching the Kathmandu University Library and prove to be of use to all users of this excellent Library. 4.The Vice-Chancellor of Kathmandu University, Prof. Suresh Raj Sharma while expressing his gratitude to the Govt. of India for their continuing assistance to the prestigious University, mentioned that the presentation of books would lead to strengthening and further development of the organisation. He added that these books would help to foster education and research in various disciplines like engineering, computers, botany, physics, chemistry, mathematics and management. The Vice-Chancellor thanked India for the ongoing cooperation of the Govt. of India for the development of the University right from its inception. 5.On the occasion, Ambassador Rajan assured the Vice-Chancellor of continuing assistance of the Govt. of India in the development efforts of the University. No.KAT/26/99 August 15, 1999 INDIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATED IN NEPAL On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Independence Day of India, the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Shri K.V. Rajan hoisted the National Flag at the Indian Embassy grounds today. After reading out the President’s message to the nation to the large gathering, the Ambassador referred to the India-Nepal relationship as old, deep and multi-faceted. He expressed satisfaction at the steady progress in consolidation of Indo-Nepal friendship and implementation of several important agreements reached in the past few years and the tremendous potential for creating economic growth through cooperation based on complementarities. Such issues as crop up from time to time would be resolved to the mutual satisfaction of the two countries, keeping in mind the totality of the unique relationship and in a spirit of trust and goodwill. Shri Rajan expressed confidence that the two countries would march together into the new millennium with hope, determination and optimism, creating a promising future for generations to come. Shri Rajan also announced donation of five more mobile clinics to non-profit charitable organisations involved in rural and urban health care in different parts of Nepal. The clinics were presented to the Nepal-Bharat Maitri Sanghs in Biratnagar, Pokhara and Siddharthanagar; and the Nepal-Bharat Sahyog Manch, Birgunj through the respective Mayors of these townships; and to the Red Cross, Itahari. On this occasion, renowned vocalist of India, Padma Bhushan, Sangeet Martand, Pandit Jasraj gave a rendition of Vande Mataram. No.KAT/27/99 August 15, 1999 Indian Embassy donates mobile clinics on India's Independence Day On the occasion of India's Independence Day on August 15, 1999, the Ambassador of India to Nepal, Shri K.V. Rajan, announced donation of five more mobile clinics to non-profit charitable organisations involved in rural and urban health care in different parts of Nepal. The clinics were presented to the Nepal Bharat Maitri Sanghs in Biratnagar, Pokhara and Siddharthanagar and the Nepal Bharat Sahayog Manch, Birganj, through the respective Mayors of these Townships(Hon'ble Shri Ramesh Chandra Koirala, Hon'ble Shri Krishna Bahadur Thapa, Hon'ble Shri Sagar Pratap Rana, Hon'ble Shri Bimal Srivastava respectively). One ambulance was also presented to the Red Cross, Itahari which would use the ambulance in collaboration with the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences(BPKIHS), Dharan and the Nepal Bharat Maitri Sangh, Dharan. 2. These mobile-clinics-cum-ambulances would be used for transportation of sick people of weak financial background living in different parts of Nepal to avail of better medical facilities at health centres in zonal hospitals and in hospitals located in other districts. 3. In his address after the traditional flag hoisting ceremony at the Indian Embassy grounds, the Ambassador stated that the programme of presenting mobile clinics-cum-ambulances has been drawn up with a view to supporting the activities of established hospitals in Nepal's major cities, by taking medical facilities to remote areas and reducing congestion in the hospitals. 4. This is a continuation of the earlier programme under which six mobile clinics were donated to various organisations in 1998. The programme has been very successful in taking health care to the remote parts of Nepal as also in catering to the health requirements of the rural population. The recipients of these ambulances include various Municipalities, the Red Cross and Nepal Bharat Maitri Sanghs with the direct involvement of important regional hospitals. 5. Each mobile clinic has four stretchers, cushioned racks medicine cabinet, wash-basin with sink, doctor's table and chair, fans, blinker-cum-siren etc. 6. The Ambassador added that India has been privileged to participate in the development, expansion and modernisation of health services in Nepal during the past several decades. India's assistance in this field includes support to the Bir Hospital in Kathmandu, Birendra Police Hospital, and the Paropakar Prasuti Griha. The cooperation with Prasuti Griha includes the establishment/upgradation of the Maternal Intensive Care Unit(MICU) and Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit(NICU) which is due to be inaugurated soon. India had also assisted in the Goitre Control Programme which included supply of iodised salt to the remote areas in Nepal. A medicine pack scheme is being executed for ex-servicemen. India is also cooperating with Nepal in executing drinking water projects in different towns and villages. 7. India has collaborated actively in the setting up of the B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences(BPKIHS), Dharan at a cost of NRs.1300 million as a joint project with HMGN. The setting up of an Emergency and Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital, Kathmandu is expected to be taken up shortly. No.KAT/28/99 August 15, 1999 PRIME MINISTER K.P. BHATTARAI GRACES THE
RECITAL THE INDEPENDENCE DAY OF INDIA As part of the celebrations of the 52nd anniversary of the Independence Day of India, a programme of vocal classical Indian music by the renowned vocalist, Sangeet Martand, Pandit Jasraj was organised by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations. Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Bhattarai, attended the recital as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present during the recital included members of the Constitutional bodies in Nepal, members of the Council of Ministers of Nepal, senior political leaders from different parties, members of the Diplomatic Corps and other distinguished citizens. Pandit Jasraj was accompanied by Ms. Kala Ramnath on Violin, Shri Kedar Pandit on Tabla, and renowned vocalist Pandit Askaran Sharma along with Shri Ratan Mohan Sharma and Ms. Durga Jasraj, daughter of Pandit Jasraj. Pandit Jasraj gave a scintillating performance of vocal Indian classical music, which enthralled the distinguished audience. No.KAT/25/99 August 12, 1999 Given below is the text of statement made by the Official Spokesman of Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, on August 11, 1999, on the provocative action by the Pakistani military aircraft by violating the Indian airspace for surveillance purposes and its subsequent shooting down by the Indian Air Force planes:- Quote The Altantique aircraft had intruded 10 kms. into Indian airspace. As the Information Minister of Pakistan said this aircraft was on a surveillance mission. Surveillance activity by a military aircraft in another country’s airspace is a hostile activity. It is a well-known fact that apart from its primary capability of reconnaissance and surveillance, such an aircraft is capable of carrying an array of lethal weapons and stores including air to surface missiles and bombs. It clearly falls under the definition of combat aircraft in the context of the Indo-Pakistan agreement on prevention of airspace violations signed in 1991. According to the agreement such an aircraft is not to fly within 10 kms. of each other’s airspace. In a clear violation of this agreement and norms of conduct between sovereign countries, the Pakistani military aircraft had intruded deep into Indian airspace. Every opportunity was given to the intruding aircraft to correct its course and land. It disregarded all warnings and signals to land. Thereafter, the Indian Air Force, under well-known operating procedures, was constrained to engage this aircraft and shoot it down. The responsibility for what happened and any loss of life rests squarely with Pakistan. The aircraft was engaged 10 kms. inside Indian airspace and the wreckage is located in Indian territory clearly on our side of the international border. India has been making consistent efforts to improve relations with Pakistan so that the two countries can live in amity and peace. Provocative activity of this kind is not conducive to the normalisation and improvement of all-round relations between the two countries. We urge Pakistan to desist from such activities and to adhere in letter and spirit to all bilateral agreements with India and internationally-recognised norms of conduct in respect of relations between two sovereign countries. Ends No.KAT/24/99 August 11, 1999 Given below is the text of an Indian Air Force press release issued on August 10, 1999, regarding intrusion of a Pakistani aircraft and subsequent shooting down of the aircraft by Indian Air Force:- Quote At 1115 hrs this morning, a Pakistani Naval Anti-Submarine warfare and maritime reconnaissance aircraft, called Atlantique intruded 10 kms into Indian territory in the area of KORI CREEK. A Mig-21 of the IAF intercepted and shot down the Pakistani aircraft. The intruding aircraft was detected by IAF ground radars and was intercepted 10 kms south of the international border. When the IAF fighters closed in to identify and signal the intruding Pakistani aircraft to force it to land at an Indian base, the Pakistani aircraft acted in a hostile manner by turning into our fighter. At that stage the Atlantique was shot down by an air-to-air missile, which hit the aircraft on the port engine which caught fire. The wreckage has been found by IAF helicopters, 2 kms on the Indian side of the international border. The Pakistani aircraft have been intruding into Indian airspace in the same sector in the past too. From May to July, there have been 8 such intrusions. Unquote No.KAT/23/99 August 6, 1999 Pandit Jasraj, a noted vocalist in Hindustani style of Indian classical music, will be visiting Kathmandu from August 12-16, 1999. During his visit, sponsored by Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), Pandit Jasraj will be giving concert at the Royal Nepal Academy on Sunday, August 15, 1999, on the occasion of Independence Day of India. Pandit Jasraj is one of the doyens of north Indian classical music. Endowed with a rich, soulful and sonorous voice, Panditji’s vocalising projects traditional music as an intense spiritual expression. His voice is chaste and as well as densely coloured which gives his music a very sublime emotional quality. His re-introduction of ancient Sanskrit texts to the singing of "Khayal" has further enriched the content of his art. Panditji was born in 1930 at Hissar, Haryana into a family that has given to Indian music four generations of outstanding musicians. He had his initial grooming in music under his father, the late Motiramji. His elder brother and guru, the late Maniramji, was his next guru under whom Panditji got intensive tutelage. Pandit Jasraj gave his first public performance in 1952. He has toured extensively throughout India, Asia, Europe and the Americas. He is the leading exponent of the Mewati gharana. He has received many honours and awards, including the prestigious titles "Padma Shree" and "Padma Bhushan" by the President of India. He has also been honoured with Sangeet Martand, Kala Ratna, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and Kalidas Samman, among others. As a guru, Panditji has been successfully imparting knowledge and love for music through Pandit Jasraj School of Music Foundation established in Vancouver and Pandit Jasraj Academic of Music, New Jersey. He has been a Visiting Professor at the University of Toronto, Canada. No.KAT/22/99July 13, 1999 Enclosed is the statement on Kargil situation, made by the Official Spokesman of the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, on July 12, 1999. Official Spokesman's Statement Operation Vijay has been a resounding success. Pakistani forces have been defeated on the ground and status quo ante on the Line of Control in the Kargil sector is being restored. Almost the entire sub-Sector Batalik and the sub-sector Dras have been cleared of Pakistani aggression in the last 48 hours. Pakistani armed intruders comprising overwhelmingly of their regular troops and some extremist elements under their command and control have been evicted. The pressure of our decisive military action in the other two sub-sectors of Mushkoh valley and Kaksar was also proving unbearable for the Pakistani army. Pakistan being faced with the inevitable, their DGMO called his Indian counterpart on the evening of 9th July. He sought an early meeting. Our DGMO suggested that the meeting be held at the Border Security Force Reception Hall, on our side of the Joint Check Post, at Attari on Amritsar - Lahore Road on the 11th afternoon. Our DGMO also informed him that we expected Pakistan would begin withdrawing its troops from the Kaksar Sub-sector even before this meeting, and that this withdrawal will be completed by 12th morning. During his meeting with the Pakistani DGMO yesterday our DGMO informed him that Pakistani forces must withdraw well north of the Line of Control by the morning of the 16th of July. The Pakistani DGMO said that Pakistan would comply with this schedule. Our DGMO also informed the Pakistani DGMO that any Pakistani intruder, thereafter found within our side of the Line of Control, would be treated as hostile and would be dealt with accordingly. The withdrawal of Pakistani forces from Kaksar appears to already have taken place. Our troops are proceeding to verify this withdrawal. We have information that the withdrawal of Pakistani forces in Mushkoh valley is also under way. This withdrawal of Pakistani forces has been brought about by the skill, determination and valour of our armed forces, who rolled back Pakistan's aggression from Kargil, even while conforming to government's direction that the sanctity of the Line of Control be maintained. Our forces have not de-escalated their action, nor has any disengagement taken place. The Indian army is not impeding by fire the retreat of Pakistani forces. After this withdrawal has been completed, we expect that Pakistan will reaffirm the inviolability and sanctity of the Line of Control. The continuance of cross border terrorism in the State of Jammu & Kashmir is a clear violation of the Line of Control and must be abandoned by Pakistan. Pakistan has persisted with its claim that those who occupied the Kargil heights were "Mujahideen". It is abundantly clear by now that the overwhelming majority of those who crossed over from Pakistan in the Kargil sector were Pakistani troops in pursuit of a misadventure, fully planned and conducted by the Pakistani authorities. The presence of Pakistani regulars is borne out by the evidence that our forces have collected in the form of identity cards of regular troops, official army documents, personal letters and photographs and the nature of Pakistani weaponry in the posts recaptured by our troops. It is also tragic that the Pakistan army has refused to accept the bodies of their regular troops who died in action against our forces in the Kargil sector. Our forces have buried the Pakistani dead in accordance with military custom. New Delhi VIth World Hindi Conference,
London, United Kingdom PRESS RELEASE No. KAT\21\99 July 13, 1999 Hindi Samiti, United Kingdom in association with
the other non-governmental organizations of U.K. , Geetanjali, Birmingham and Ahinsam,
Manchester is organizing the VIth World Hindi Conference from September 14-18, 1999 in
London. The relevant extracts of the announcement issued by the organizers are reproduced
below :- The Conference would be inaugurated on September 14, 1999 and from 15 to 17 September, 1999 there would be seminars and paper presentation sessions. The scholars who wish to participate and present their papers in the seminars are requested to send the gist of their papers to the Chairman , Academic Committee, Prof. Mahendra Verma, Department of Language and Linguistic Science, University of York, York, YO10, 5DD, UK through Fax : + 44 (O) 1904 432673 , London or E-Mail : mkv1@york.ac.uk. It is requested that the duration of the paper should not exceed twenty minutes. Each paper would be followed by discussion of 10 minutes. The decision on the selection of the papers would be intimated by the Convening Committee by August 14, 1999. For further details they may contact Shri Padmesh Gupta, Convenor, VIth World Hindi Conference, 10 Bell Meadow, Dulwich Wood Avenue, London SE19 1HP U.K. through Fax No 44+(0) 181 488 0458 or E-mail: hindisamiti@ hotmail.com.’’ No.KAT/20/99 July 2, 1999 External Affairs Minister of India, Shri Jaswant Singh, has sent a message, felicitating H.E. Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, on his appointment as the Minister of Foreign Affairs in His Majesty's Government of Nepal. In his message, Shri Jaswant Singh has also said that "The relationship between our two countries is unique in many ways; it is multi-faceted and mutually beneficial. The strong bonds of friendship are reflected in the degree and magnitude of people-to-people contacts and cooperation in diverse spheres. In recent years, it has been our joint endeavour to harness our traditional friendship for accelerating the economic development of our two countries. Your deep understanding of regional and global economic issues, and your extensive experience in the economic development of our region, would be of immense value towards realising this shared vision." No. KAT/19/99 June 30, 1999 Limit of Indian Investment in Nepal on "Fast Track" Basis Up Another milestone has been achieved recently in the economic relationship between India and Nepal. The Government of India has further increased the limit for "Fast Track" approval by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in respect of Indian investments in Nepal to IRs 120 crores, equivalent to NRs 192 crores. 2. All applications up to the ceiling of NRs 192 crores will be cleared on a "Fast Track" basis, subject to relevant regulations. All applications under this route will be eligible for approval within 21 days of receipt of complete application by the RBI, which shall include the broad feasibility study, a statement of credit – worthiness from a bank and statement from a chartered accountant verifying the ratios, projections made, etc. 3. Within the overall limit of IRs 120 crores, the investor may opt for cash remittance; capitalization of export proceeds towards equity; or loans for corporate guarantees to/on behalf of Indian joint ventures/wholly-owned subsidiaries. All applications not qualifying for "Fast Track" clearance will be processed in the RBI through a Special Committee. 4. The Government of India had initiated this policy of "Fast Track" approval in respect of Indian investment in Nepal in March, 1997 when the limit for such clearance was set at IRs 25 crores (NRs 40 crores). Within just over two years, this limit has gone up to almost five times demonstrating India’s resolve to contribute positively in the industrial growth of Nepal and to improve the overall economic relationship between the two countries. 5. India has been the largest investor in Nepal with over 160 joint ventures and investment proposals from India already approved by the Department of Industries, His Majesty’s Government of Nepal. No.KAT/17/99 June 2, 1999 Reproduced below is the text of message from the President of India, Shri K.R. Narayanan, felicitating Rt. Hon’ble Mr. K.P. Bhattarai on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal:- Quote Excellency, On the happy occasion of your appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal, I extend to you our warmest felicitations and best wishes. I recall with pleasure our meeting during my visit to Nepal last year, when we had the opportunity to review various aspects of the rich and multi-faceted relationship between our two countries. I am confident, that under your stewardship and guidance, our relations will continue to grow from strength to strength. With my best wishes, (K.R. NARAYANAN) Mr. K.P. Bhattarai Unquote No.KAT/18/99 June 11, 1999 1. The XIIth Indian Army Ex-Servicemen Welfare Organization in Nepal (IEWON) conference was held recently at Kathmandu under the aegis of Military Wing, Embassy of India from 30 May to 06 Jun 99. The IEWON is an organisation designed to look after the welfare of Indian Armed Forces ex-servicemen in Nepal. The Ambassador of India to Nepal is the chairman of IEWON. This conference is attended by senior officers of the Indian Army and a number of HMGN's senior officials headed by the Defence Secretary. This conference is held annually to review the welfare projects executed so far and also to explore possibilities of new projects for welfare of Indian Army ex-servicemen in Nepal. 2. The senior officers' delegation from India led by Maj Gen Purushottam Dutta called upon Shri Yuba Raj Sharma Gautam, Defence Secretary, His Majesty's Government of Nepal and discussed co-operation in successful execution of welfare schemes. The delegation attended the Annual Welfare Meeting held under the chairmanship of HE Shri KV Rajan, Ambassador of India to Nepal. Shri Yuba Raj Sharma Gautam also addressed the meeting on 31 May 99. 3. India distributes Nepali Rupees 480 crores as
pension to 1,03,000 ex-servicemen in Nepal every year. India has also earmarked nearly
NRs. 5 Crores annually on various welfare schemes for Indian Army ex-servicemen residing
in Nepal. Highlights of the welfare schemes are periodic visits of Medical, Eye and Dental
teams to interior areas of Nepal at a cost of Rs 90 lakhs, financial assistance to Schools
where children of ex-servicemen are in majority, scholarships to children of ex-servicemen
including scholarship for professional courses like MBBS, BE, MBA, MCA etc, Drinking Water
Projects worth more than 1.5 Crores, Medicine Packet Scheme worth 45 lakhs etc. The
Embassy of India has also opened Vocational Training Centres at Kathmandu, Pokhara and
Dharan where courses on Computers, Typing (English and Dev Nagari), English Language,
Knitting and Stitching and Naturopathy are being conducted. Such vocational courses are
helpful in enhancing employment prospects of wards of ex-servicemen. Recently four buses
have been procured at a cost of Rs 40 lakhs for conveyance of ex-servicemen at three
locations viz Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dharan as an outcome of a long standing demand from
the ex-servicemen. No.KAT/16/99 May 31, 1999 Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee has sent a message, felicitating Rt. Hon’ble Shri K.P. Bhattarai, on his appointment as the Prime Minister of Nepal. Extending warmest congratulations on behalf of the Government and the people of India and on his own behalf, Shri Vajpayee has said that the well-known personal abilities, vision and leadership of Prime Minister Bhattarai hold promise for stability and economic development in Nepal over the coming years. In his message, Prime Minister Vajpayee further says, "Our two countries happily enjoy a centuries-old legacy of shared values, aspirations and hopes, and a bilateral relationship that is exceptionally close and wide-ranging. It is my endeavour to seek to further and enrich this relationship to our mutual benefit. In this task, Excellency, I shall seek your cooperation and support." No. KAT/15/99 May 25, 1999 PRESS RELEASE The Soil Conservation Research Demonstration and Training Centre at Chatra was handed over to the Eastern Regional Irrigation Directorate, Biratnagar of His Majesty Government of Nepal on May 24, 1999. The Centre was handed over by Mr. Amar Prasad, Additional Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India in a ceremony at Chatra. The Centre with its assets and the associated land was taken over by Mr. S.D. Karmacharya, Regional Director of Eastern Regional Irrigation Directorate. The Centre has a running hydrological & soil monitoring laboratory besides models on watershed management. The Centre was established in 1956 with the objective of supporting development work in the field of soil and water conservation in Kosi catchment for mutual benefit to Nepal and India. The Centre was actively involved in demonstration and training of HMGN personnel and local inhabitants of Chatra and nearby areas in Eastern Nepal in the field of soil and water conservation, and watershed management. Kathmandu No. KAT/COM/221/1/99 April 21, 1999 PRESS RELEASE A meeting between the officials of Department of Telecommunications (DOT), India and Nepal Telecommunications Corporation (NTC) was held from April 19-20, 1999 at Kathmandu. Among other important decisions, the meeting decided to operationalise a trans-border link between Biratnagar and Jogbani, to begin with, at the earliest possible. The trans-border link will enable people from one neighbouring town to call another, across the border, at a rate well below the international calling rates. 2. The trans-border link is expected to be commissioned soon after the proposed optical fibre link between Biratnagar and Jogbani is installed. The target date for the installation of this digital link is June, 1999. Once the trans-border link is successfully commissioned between Biratnagar and Jogbani, the other important neighbouring border towns between India and Nepal will also be getting this facility in a phased manner. The two sides have already agreed to establish such trans-border links between Birgunj-Raxaul, Biratnagar-Jogbani, Kakkarbhita-Panitanki, Bhairahawa-Nautanwa, Nepalgunj-Rupehdia, Mahendranagar-Banbasa. 3. An optical fibre link between Birgunj and Raxaul was established in early 1998 with the funding by the Government of India, which considerably improved the international calling between the two countries. This was pursuant to a decision taken by the two governments in May, 1997. It may be recalled that, to further improve telecom services between India and Nepal, a decision was taken at the meeting of Secretary (Communications) of two countries held in September in New Delhi to establish an additional digital link between Biratnagar and Jogbani besides the existing one between Birgunj and Raxaul. Kathmandu No.Kat/ECW/112/5/98 8 April 1999 India gifts Solid Waste Management Equipments to Lalitpur A function was held in Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City to hand over Solid Waste Management Equipments received from India. 2. On behalf of the Government of India, the Indian Ambassador, Mr. K.V. Rajan handed over a range of Solid Waste Management Equipments to the Mayor of Lalitpur, Mr. Buddhi Raj Bajracharya at the Lalitpur Municipality on April 8. 3. The equipment consists of Garbage Tippers(10 units), Garbage Rear Drop Tippers(6 units), Dumper Placers(4 units), Excavator Loaders(2 units), Mounted Suction-cum-Jetter Vehicle(1 unit) and Trolley Mounted Drain Cleaning Machines(4 units). 4. These sophisticated vehicles for solid waste cleaning have been manufactured by prestigious Indian companies including Eicher, Escorts JCB and Kam Avida. Technical experts from these firms will be collaborating in training the engineers and technicians from the Lalitpur Municipality who would be handling these equipments. 5. Speaking on the occasion, the Mayor of Lalitpur expressed his "gratitude to the Government and people of India, on behalf of entire inhabitants of Lalitpur city, for the generous support to the citizens of Lalitpur". 6. Mr. Bajracharya added that "this valuable support is an important contribution for solving the problem being faced by the local people of Lalitpur in their day to day life caused by the uncollected solid waste in the public places around the city". While tracing the historic links between India and Nepal, the Mayor said that 'Lalitpur occupies a significant role in the history of the development of the Indo-Nepal relations since ancient days" and gave details of how Emperor Ashoka's daughter Princes Charumati had contributed towards strengthening these links. 7. The Indian Ambassador, Mr. Rajan referred to the unique links between India and Nepal and the special place that Lalitpur occupies for India. Referring to the uniquely close people-to-people relationship, he pointed out that there was tremendous potential for enlarging the scope of bilateral cooperation beyond the Government to Government level to local bodies as well. In this context, he appreciated Mr. Bajracharya's efforts to forge direct links with local bodies in Mumbai, Pune and Pimpri during his recent visit. The Ambassador of India congratulated the Lalitpur Mayor for establishing a twin city relationship with Pune and expressed confidence that this would attract the interest of local bodies as well as the private sector in the development plans of Lalitpur. President’s Visit to Nepal : May 28-30, 1998 1. President Hon’ble Shri K.R. Narayanan, accompanied by the First Lady, Smt. Usha Narayanan, and Commerce Minister Shri R.K. Hegde, visited Nepal from May 29-30, 1998, which has been highly successful in underlining the goodwill and warmth that characterize our bilateral ties with Nepal. Last visit of the President of India was in July 1986 by Giani Zail Singh. 2. The President was accorded an extraordinarily warm reception in Nepal. Apart from the meetings with Their Majesties the King and the Queen, the President received Prime Minister Mr. Girija Prasad Koirala, Deputy PM Ms. Shailaja Acharya, leader of Opposition Mr. Man Mohan Adhikari, leaders of major political parties, Nepalese academics and intellectuals and business leaders. Commerce Minister Hegde had separate meetings with Deputy PM Acharya, Speaker Ram Chandra Poudel and Commerce Minister Chiranjibi Wagle. All the meetings were marked by evident cordiality. 3. Tribhuvan University, the oldest University in Nepal, honoured the President by awarding an honorary D. Litt. Degree at a special Convocation, which was attended by the King himself as Chancellor of the University. The acting Mayor of Kathmandu held a Civic Reception in the President’s honour. A State Banquet and a lunch were hosted by the King and the Prime Minister respectively in honour of our President. 4. The King made a number of special gestures to show his personal commitment to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship, and his Banquet Speech was notable for its glowing tributes to India and positive references to the future prospects for the bilateral relationship. The esteem and respect accorded to the President by the Nepalese leadership across the political spectrum were evident during the President’s visits. 5. A CII delegation led by CII President concurrently visited Nepal. This further underlined the importance the two sides attached to the economic dimension of the relationship. In a separate meeting with Nepalese and Indian business leaders, a joint plan of action by CII and FNCCI was announced to extend cooperation in key areas including hydro-electric power, investment, trade and civil aviation. 6. There was a widespread appreciation of the decision of the Government of India, conveyed by the President, to agree to Nepal’s proposal for use of the Phulbari transit route to Bangladesh on all seven days of the week. * Speech by the President at the Civic Reception at Kathmandu * Speech by the President at the Banquet hosted by His Majesty The King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev * Acceptance speech by the President of India at the Convocation function at Tribhuvan University PM Gujral’s Visit to Nepal Shri Inder Kumar Gujral, Prime Minister of India, paid an official goodwill visit to Nepal from June 5-7, 1997, at the invitation of the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr. Lokendra Bahadur Chand. The visit took place in an atmosphere of close cordiality reflection, the warm friendship and the excellent relationship between the two countries. The vital contribution of the age old contacts between the peoples of India and Nepal was recognized and emphasized. A number of far-reaching decisions were taken to elevate the bilateral relationship between the two vibrant democracies, to a qualitatively new level determined by the bonds of history and the will of the people. 2. Discussions were held on a number of subjects covering bilateral issues and other matters of mutual interest. These included the 1950 Treaty of Friendship border regulation and security, cooperation in water resources projects, trade, transit and investments. They also exchanged views on the situation in the South Asian region, South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation for sub-regional cooperation. Calling Nepal one of India's closest friends, Prime Minister Gujral added that the political regulations of India and Nepal are better at present than any time in the last fifty years. 3. The following documents were signed in the presence of the two Prime Ministers:-
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