File photo NEW DELHI: India and Nepal share a “very special relationship” and there is now an opportunity to “decisively shift the trajectory” of bilateral engagement to realise its full potential, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during talks with Nepal foreign minister Shisir Khanal in New Delhi.In his opening remarks, Jaishankar underlined the depth of the partnership, saying, “India and Nepal share a very special relationship, one which is built on a strong foundation of vibrant people-to-people ties, cross-border connect and shared cultural and religious traditions.”He added that the relationship is “anchored by shared trust, goodwill, and mutual benefit,” noting that cooperation has steadily expanded in trade, investment, energy, education, disaster response and culture.Jaishankar also stressed continuity in India’s support, saying, “Our two countries have always stood by each other in times of need. In the wake of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, we have ensured uninterrupted fuel supplies to Nepal”.Nepal calls ties “civilisational”, says no “old baggage”Khanal, who began a three-day visit to India on Friday, said Nepal attaches the “highest priority” to its relationship with India and is ready for “substantive and purposeful engagement”.“We carry no old baggage and have only firm resolve for a genuinely transformative relationship with our close neighbour and the most important partner,” he said.He further described India and Nepal as more than just neighbouring states, saying, “Nepal and India are not merely two countries, we are stakeholders of a proud ancient civilization.”Khanal said Nepal’s new leadership is focused on “good governance, economic transformation and result-driven diplomacy,” adding that the relationship should now move towards a “modern development-oriented partnership.”He also expressed gratitude for India’s assistance in areas such as fuel and fertiliser supplies during crises, saying Nepal has always relied on India “at the time of disaster or even today during West Asia crisis.”Talks cover energy, connectivity, digital and new sectorsJaishankar said the discussions were “productive” and covered the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including development cooperation, energy, hydropower, education, health, capacity building, digital technology, culture and sports.He said both sides now have “an opportunity to also advance ties in newer domains like startups, artificial intelligence, information technology and renewable energy,” adding that there are strong complementarities between the two governments’ development goals.Following the meeting, India and Nepal also expanded cooperation in digital infrastructure, including linkage between India’s UPI system and Nepal’s National Payments Interface to enable smoother cross-border remittances.India also handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects under reconstruction support after the 2015 earthquake.Border issue and regional sensitivitiesThe talks come amid renewed tensions over Nepal’s boundary dispute remarks and suggestions of third-party involvement.India has maintained that border issues are handled through established bilateral mechanisms, reiterating its position against external mediation.Despite such sensitivities, both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening ties and advancing what Jaishankar described as an opportunity to “very clearly and strongly send a message of collaboration and cooperation” and “realise the full potential of our ties.”About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideos‘Untrue’: Sourav Ganguly Denies Asking Yusuf Pathan To Resign On Behalf Of Mamata Banerjee‘TMC Fooled Muslims, Suvendu Is Secular’: Ajmal Siddiqui Resigns From Post, Slams Abhishek BanerjeeAbhishek Banerjee’s Role Reworked As Mamata Banerjee Reshuffles TMC LeadershipTamil Nadu BJP Faces Resignation Wave as Annamalai’s New Movement Draws VolunteersSix Detained As CJP’s Jantar Mantar Protest Over NEET Leak Concludes Without Major ClashesAshwini Vaishnaw Unveils Bengal Bullet Train Plan, Targets Faster Northeast Connectivity‘Khan Sir Won’t Surrender In Patna Court, To File Anticipatory Bail Plea On 8 June’: LawyerPM Modi Chairs Economic Advisory Council Meet Amid West Asia CrisisStudents, Senior Citizens, Parents Join CJP Protest Against NEET Paper Leak Controversy | WatchBengal STF Recovers Arms Cache From TMC Leader’s Pond In Sandeshkhali, CM Suvendu Adhikari Reacts123PhotostoriesGopika Gopi to Aneesh: Here’s a look at the commoner contestants of Bigg Boss Malayalam5 silent signs your body may be missing key nutrients, according to a neurologistWhy you should ‘marry for money’, according to a top divorce lawyerPrincess Diana’s most iconic fashion moments: 5 designers behind her legendary style12 must-follow emergency rules for modern apartments and gated real estate communities5 effective money habits that protect you from going brokeHow to respond to difficult people without getting triggered: 10 practical waysFrom Kedarnath to Kamakhya: 5 iconic hill temples in India to visit at least once in lifetimeInside Sunil Grover’s stunning two-storey dream home: A massive living room, artistic interiors and moreCan Jamun help control blood sugar? Expert explains its benefits for people with diabetes123Hot PicksSuryakumar YadavBengaluru Girl DeathKerala Student HospitalisedIran AttackKhan SirAnnamalaiKaru Nagarajan ResignRoger GoodellAIADMKTop TrendingCJP ProtestKarnataka Constable RecruitmentTS Inter Supplementary ResultsIndia vs Afghanistan ScoreAnnamalai BJP exitE85 FuelDelhi hotel fireKhan sir coaching fireDelhi Plice HCM Result 2026Pawan Kalyan
NEW DELHI: India and Nepal share a “very special relationship” and there is now an opportunity to “decisively shift the trajectory” of bilateral engagement to realise its full potential, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said on Saturday during talks with Nepal foreign minister Shisir Khanal in New Delhi.In his opening remarks, Jaishankar underlined the depth of the partnership, saying, “India and Nepal share a very special relationship, one which is built on a strong foundation of vibrant people-to-people ties, cross-border connect and shared cultural and religious traditions.”He added that the relationship is “anchored by shared trust, goodwill, and mutual benefit,” noting that cooperation has steadily expanded in trade, investment, energy, education, disaster response and culture.Jaishankar also stressed continuity in India’s support, saying, “Our two countries have always stood by each other in times of need. In the wake of the ongoing crisis in West Asia, we have ensured uninterrupted fuel supplies to Nepal”.
Nepal calls ties “civilisational”, says no “old baggage”
Khanal, who began a three-day visit to India on Friday, said Nepal attaches the “highest priority” to its relationship with India and is ready for “substantive and purposeful engagement”.“We carry no old baggage and have only firm resolve for a genuinely transformative relationship with our close neighbour and the most important partner,” he said.He further described India and Nepal as more than just neighbouring states, saying, “Nepal and India are not merely two countries, we are stakeholders of a proud ancient civilization.”Khanal said Nepal’s new leadership is focused on “good governance, economic transformation and result-driven diplomacy,” adding that the relationship should now move towards a “modern development-oriented partnership.”He also expressed gratitude for India’s assistance in areas such as fuel and fertiliser supplies during crises, saying Nepal has always relied on India “at the time of disaster or even today during West Asia crisis.”
Talks cover energy, connectivity, digital and new sectors
Jaishankar said the discussions were “productive” and covered the full spectrum of bilateral ties, including development cooperation, energy, hydropower, education, health, capacity building, digital technology, culture and sports.He said both sides now have “an opportunity to also advance ties in newer domains like startups, artificial intelligence, information technology and renewable energy,” adding that there are strong complementarities between the two governments’ development goals.Following the meeting, India and Nepal also expanded cooperation in digital infrastructure, including linkage between India’s UPI system and Nepal’s National Payments Interface to enable smoother cross-border remittances.India also handed over 72 health facilities and 12 cultural heritage projects under reconstruction support after the 2015 earthquake.
Border issue and regional sensitivities
The talks come amid renewed tensions over Nepal’s boundary dispute remarks and suggestions of third-party involvement.India has maintained that border issues are handled through established bilateral mechanisms, reiterating its position against external mediation.Despite such sensitivities, both sides reaffirmed commitment to strengthening ties and advancing what Jaishankar described as an opportunity to “very clearly and strongly send a message of collaboration and cooperation” and “realise the full potential of our ties.”
