Visiting Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a civic reception hosted by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) at City Hall in Kathmandu.

KMC Mayor Bidhya Sundar Shakya handed over a key to the city and a letter of felicitation to the Indian prime minister. Modi was also offered various gifts including a 55-kilogram statute of Lord Buddha.

Addressing the reception first in Nepali and later in Hindi language, Modi thanked everyone for inviting him for a visit to Nepal. He also lauded Kathmandu for its natural beauty.

After visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Muktinath Temple and Janakpur in this visit, Modi said he would take time out to visit Lord Buddha’s birthplace Lumbini soon.

He said the inclusion of a Nepali youth in Indian Premier League (IPL) was an example of deepening ties between the people of two countries. “Nepali player Sandeep Lamichhane is taking part in IPL. I hope this people-to-people relation gets further strengthened in other sports too,” he said.

Modi also praised Nepali people for their resilience and courage following the devastating earthquake in 2015. “Despite disasters, Nepal has installed democratic government in all of its three levels by conducting three-tier election within a year. This resilience and integrity shown by the people here is an example to the world,” he said.