KATHMANDU, Jan 15: Indian External Affairs Minister S M Krishna has taken Nepal’s proposal to review 1950 Treaty positively during the bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sujata Koirala on Friday.
“We proposed the review because the treaty is old and time has changed since it was inked,” Koirala said after the talks. “India is positive.”[break]
She also added that the foreign secretaries were directed to work in this regard.
During the bilateral talks, two countries also agreed for immediate discussion on extradition treaty. The neighboring nations also agreed to stop cross-border crimes.
The ministers also held discussions about cross-border arms smuggling, money laundering, human trafficking and narcotic smuggling during the meeting.
Koirala also added that India will submit the project detail for the Bagmati Civilization Project within two days.
´Nepal relation topmost priority´
Earlier, Krishna who arrived in Kathmandu on Friday afternoon for a three-day official visit said that Indian foreign policy´s topmost priority is the relations with Nepal.
"(I am here) to further our cordial relations," Krishna said after his arrival. "India and Nepal have civilization link, traditional relationships, we are good neighbors and we have learnt from each other."[break]
The visit, upon the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala, is aimed at strengthening bilateral relationships.
Krishna is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Madav Kumar Nepal on Friday.
According to Indian newspapers, Krishna will take on the issues of Indian compensation for Gandak flood victims and extension of two new cross-border rail links, delay in construction of the Indian-assisted Naumure Hydro Project (240mw), the early implementation of the Bagmati Civilisation Project and Indian assurance on importing LPG from the Haldia port during his talks with Koirala.
On Saturday, he will meet President Dr Ram Baran Yadav. During his visit, he will also meet Subash Chandra Nemwang, the chairman of the Constituent Assembly, Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala and other top leaders.
Krishna who was appointed minister last May is the highest ranked Indian official to visit Nepal since the present government was formed.
During the visit, he is likely to ink five MoUs with Nepa in areas including the establishment of Nepal Police Academy, the upgradation of Nepal Stock Exchange, construction of fast track roads in Tarai areas, rural electrification and establishment of a Scientific and Technical Research Centre.
Krishna is accompanied by foreign secretary Nirupama Rao.
Related story
Experts discuss historic Nepal-Britain 1923 Treaty
