PM Modi: India to import 10,000 MW power from Nepal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that the border between India and Nepal should not serve as a barrier. He made this remark as the two sides entered into a series of agreements on energy and transport, which included the export of Nepal's hydropower to Bangladesh through Indian territory. While extending a warm welcome to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda during his four-day visit to India, Modi expressed his belief that both countries should expedite projects related to the Ramayana circuit.Modi recalled an incident from nine years ago in 2014 when, within three months of assuming office, he made his inaugural trip to Nepal. He mentioned that at that time, he had proclaimed his intention to establish strong ties between India and Nepal that would overcome the limitations imposed by borders. Referring to the present day, he highlighted the signing of the Transit Agreement and emphasised its significance in enabling Nepal's population to access India's inland waterways. In addition, Modi affirmed India's commitment to advancing the 2022 India-Nepal vision document for cooperation in the power sector, which sets ambitious goals for power trade and transmission between the two countries. He disclosed the signing of a long-term Power Trade Agreement, through which they have set a target of importing 10,000 MW of electricity from Nepal in the forthcoming years.With a focus on energy collaboration, Modi disclosed plans for the construction of a new pipeline stretching from Siliguri to Jhapa in eastern Nepal.