PM Modi at the launch of bus service between Janakpur-Ayodhya, in Nepal.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived today in Nepal for a two-day state visit at the invitation of Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli. At 10:15 am, PM Modi's plane landed in historical Janakpur, a sub-metropolitan city, and offered prayers at the Janki Temple.
In the afternoon, PM Modi will travel to Kathmandu where he will meet Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun. In the evening, he will hold delegation-level talks with Oli, External Affairs MInistry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.
The prime ministers are likely to sign a number of pacts and inaugurate the Rs 6,000-crore Arun 3 project which is expected to generate around 900 MW of power.
PM Modi's visit to Nepal is seen as an attempt by both the countries to bring back normalcy in ties after a spell of uneasiness as it comes little over a month after his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli came to India. The Prime Minister said his trip to Nepal was a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy. "As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of government of Nepal to implement its vision of samriddha Nepal, sukhi Nepali' (prosperous Nepal, happy Nepal)," PM Modi said in a statement.
Here are the LIVE updates from PM Narendra Modi's visit to Nepal:
PM Narendra Modi arrives at Tundikhel Army Parade Ground in Kathmandu.
India and Nepal have stood by each other through tough times: PM Modi- We believe that Nepal's progress is connected to the progress of the region
- There is a saying, if a person is not saddened to see a friend's pain, looking at them alone is a sin
- Nepal and India moving forward with teaching of Raja Janak
- Governments would come and go, but are ties are forever
- Time to collectively safeguard interests. Believe Nepal's development is key to regional development.
- India and Nepal have stood by each other through tough times. Nepal occupies primacy in our Neighbourhood First policy
- Glad that Democracy is being strengthened. It is the first rider to development. Congratulate all of you for successfully holding 3 elections within one year. Formation of regional governments a matter of pride not just for Nepal, but for India too
- Without Nepal, India's faith is incomeplete
- Without Nepal, India's history is incomplete
- Without Nepal, India's dhams are incomplete
- Without Nepal, our Ram is incomplete
PM Narendra Modi is addressing a civic reception in Janakpur- Raja Janak and Raja Dasharatha did not just connect Ayodhya and Janapur but tied India and Nepal in bond of friendship. This is the bond of Ram Sita
- This bond pulls people to Pashupatinath and Bodh Gaya, and this is what has pulled me here today
- India Nepal ties are not limited to any definition but the language of faith, relationship, roti and beti (daughter)
- Ayodhya is incomplete without the link to Mata Janak. It was my long due wish to visit the land of Goddess Sita and offer my prayers.
- Today, I am extremely happy and grateful that I got this opportunity
High security is in place in Janakpur, Kathmandu and Muktinath where PM Modi is visiting. Close to 11,000 security personnel from both countries will be deployed during the visit.
PM Modi will make several major announcements on bilateral ties between India and Nepal.
PM Modi at the launch of Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service
- Today's welcome in Nepal shows the affection the people of Nepal have towards the people of India
- I am glad to be here in Janakpur. I am here to pay respects to King Janak and Mata Janaki. I thank the PM of Nepal Shri Oli for accompanying me during this visit to Janakpur
- India and Nepal will work towards building 'Ramayan' circuit between both the countries. This will act as foundation for strong people to people contact between the two nations
PM Modi arrives at Janki temple, where he was received by Nepalese PM KP Oli.
Defence Minister Ishwar Pokhrel and Province 2 Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut receive PM Modi at the airport.
PM Modi reaches Janakpur. Here, he will offer prayers at the Janki Temple. In the afternoon, PM Modi will travel to Kathmandu where he will meet Nepalese President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun.
PM Modi and the Nepal PM will jointly inaugurate the Ramayan Circuit Bus Route that will connect Janakpur, Goddess Sita's birthplace, to Ayodhya.
People gather at Barbigha Ground in Janakpur ahead of PM Modi's visit.
In Nepal, PM Narendra Modi To Flag Off Bus From Sita's Birthplace Janakpur To Ayodhya: 10 PointsAfter weeks of hectic campaigning in Karnataka, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will reach Nepal this morning for a two-day visit. Ths is his third visit to the country as Prime Minister. PM Modi will land in the temple town of Janakpur, 225 km from capital Kathmandu. He described his visit to the Himalayan nation as a reflection of his government's commitment to "neighbourhood first" policy. "It reflects the high priority, India, and personally I, attach to our age-old, close and friendly ties with Nepal," the PM said in a statement. PM Modi's visit comes a month after Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli visited India last month.Today, PM Modi will flag off a tourist bus from Janakpuri to Ayodhya. Apart from holding meetings with the Nepal PM and other leaders, PM Modi will visit three Hindu pilgrimage centres on his two-day visit."
PM Modi leaves for Nepal
Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart K P Sharma Oli are likely to sign a number of pacts and inaugurate the Rs 6000-crore Arun 3 project which is expected to generate around 900 MW of power.