The recent state visit of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to India has helped resolve longstanding bilateral issues with the southern neighbour, according to Nepali members of the Eminent Persons Group on Nepal India relations.

The eighth meeting of the EPG that started in New Delhi on Thursday is preparing to bring one joint report suggesting both governments on future course of relations in the changed regional and global contexts. One of the suggestions will be reviewing the 1950 treaty of peace and friendship.

Nepali EPG members spoke of ease in talks with their Indian colleagues for resolving disputes related to boundary, border management, the 1950 treaty, water resources, trade and commerce, cultural ties and people to people relations following high-level interactions during the PM’s visit that concluded earlier this week.

“The first-day meeting concluded on a positive note. The visit of PM Oli has helped in particular,” said Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, Nepal coordinator of the EPG.

“The two sides feel that PM Oli’s visit has created positive vibes in friendship and its impact was seen in the first meeting. Our discussion is headed towards a positive direction,” said Thapa.

The meeting also discussed the deals reached with India during the recent visit of PM Oli and also started deliberation on the suggestions to be forwarded to both the governments. “It is easy to work at a lower level when there is understanding at the highest political level,” said Thapa.

During his joint press conference with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, PM Oli had said the EPG would suggest ways to improve bilateral ties.

The EPG consulted with stakeholders in India and Nepal to prepare the report to be submitted by July. “We’re focusing on a joint report that is agreeable to both sides,” said Thapa.

During the PM’s visit, Nepal and India had said they would own up the group’s report. The next EPG meeting, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu, would give finishing touches to the report.