India Ready To Support Nepal’s Post-Flood Reconstruction, Says Indian Foreign Secretary During Visit

India has expressed its readiness to support Nepal's post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri assuring Kathmandu that New Delhi is willing to consider assistance requests and specific project proposals to rebuild infrastructure damaged by the devastating Bhotekoshi floods.

Misri conveyed India's willingness during a meeting with his Nepalese counterpart, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai, in Kathmandu on Wednesday. The discussions took place during his two-day visit to Nepal, ahead of Prime Minister Balendra Shah's forthcoming visit to India later this month.

Acknowledging the extensive damage caused by the floods, Misri said India had already extended assistance to Nepal following the disaster. However, he recognised that significant destruction had been caused to the country's infrastructure and said New Delhi was prepared to consider further requests as Nepal enters the reconstruction and rehabilitation phase.

He also recalled that the two countries had discussed the issue earlier and expressed India's interest in taking forward the proposals in consultation with Nepal's leadership.

Describing India and Nepal as partners in both good and difficult times, Misri said their longstanding relationship had been demonstrated through the assistance extended following the Bhotekoshi floods. He also appreciated officials from both countries for resolving long-pending issues and advancing important bilateral initiatives.

The meeting also focused on preparations for Shah's upcoming India visit, with both sides discussing several initiatives that could be taken forward during the high-level engagement.

According to Nepal's Foreign Ministry, the discussions covered connectivity, bilateral trade, development cooperation, energy partnerships and people-to-people relations. Both countries also reviewed ways to strengthen their existing cooperation and make bilateral initiatives more effective.

Nepal is expected to seek additional Indian assistance for flood reconstruction, along with investments in hydropower and faster implementation of pending infrastructure projects during Shah's visit.

Misri also held separate meetings with Nepal's Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle and Energy and Water Resources Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha to discuss strengthening cooperation across different sectors.

Prime Minister Shah's proposed visit, expected in the third week of November, will be his first bilateral overseas trip as Nepal's prime minister.