BIMSTEC Summit in Nepal: PM Modi will have a bilateral meeting with KP Sharma Oli
Stating that all countries of BIMSTEC seek peace and prosperity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that this will be possible only if there is connectivity in all forms between member states of the regional bloc. "Each of our countries seek peace, prosperity and happiness, but in today's inter-connected world, we cannot achieve this alone," PM Modi told the inaugural session of the Fourth Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Summit.
PM Modi also called for taking the process forward for Bimstec coastal shipping and motor vehicle agreements. BIMSTEC came into existence on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration.
Here are the live updates of PM Modi's Nepal visit:
In Bay of Bengal region, for research on arts, culture and maritime laws we will set up Centre for Bay of Bengal Studies in Nalanda University, PM Modi at BIMSTEC summit in Kathmandu.
"We are committed to expand digital connectivity in Sri Lanka, Nepal, Thailand and other countries," PM Modi at BIMSTEC summit.
The leaders of the BIMSTEC countries including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina met Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari in Kathmandu.
PM Modi was received by Nepal's Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Ishwor Pokhrel at the Kathmandu airport. All domestic and international flights were suspended for two hours ahead of his arrival. PM Modi will hold talks with his Nepali counterpart PM Oli. Their talk will focus on the progress made following their 2017 visits to each other's countries.
PM Modi and his Nepali counterpart Oli will inaugurate the Nepal Bharat Maitri Dharmashala at the Pashupatinath temple complex.
BIMSTEC came into existence on June 6, 1997, through the Bangkok Declaration. It comprises seven countries lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal - Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The group brings together 1.5 billion people, or 21 per cent of the world's population, and has a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion.
PM Modi reached Kathmandu today. He was welcomed by Nepal's Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel.
PM Modi said before leaving for Nepal that he will interact with the leaders of Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand at the sidelines of the summit. "I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli and reviewing the progress we have made in our bilateral ties since my last visit to Nepal in May 2018," he said.
PM Modi said on Wednesday that his participation in the summit signals India's highest priority to its neighbourhood and a strong commitment to continue deepening ties with the "extended neighbourhood" in South-East Asia.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived to attend the 4th BIMSTEC Summit that will focus on enhancing regional connectivity and boosting trade.