Indian Ambassador to Nepal Rajit Rae has said that India’s “neighbourhood-first policy” means that the country wants a prosperous and developed neighbourhood.

Speaking at a programme organised in Kathmandu on Monday to mark the 70th Independence Day of India, Rae said that the policy is about collaboration for development in South Asia.

India is ready to assist Nepal in its development efforts in areas of priority set by Nepalis, he said. “Let’s work together for the benefit for both the nations.”

The Indian ambassador said that formation of the Eminent Persons’ Group was a positive step in Nepal-India relations. Differences between the two countries would be narrowed down in the coming days. The suggestions to be put forward by the EPG would be considered seriously. Speaking at the event, former vice-president Paramananda Jha said those responsible for damaging Nepal-India relations should be fined.

CPN-Maoist General Secretary CP Gajurel said that his party was not against India. “So much of goodwill we have for the Indian people. Relations between Nepali and Indian people are excellent.”

Naya Shakti Nepal leader Hisila Yami said that time had come to form an Eminent Industrialists’ Group between the neighbours. Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato said Nepal-India ties could never be weakened.

Vehicles, goods gifted

India gifted 40 ambulances and eight buses to various hospitals, non-profit charitable organisations and educational institutions in several districts. Rae handed over 36 ambulances and six buses in Kathmandu while four ambulances and two buses were gifted by the Consulate General of India in Birgunj.

Rae also distributed cheques worth Rs40 million and blankets among 14 retired Gorkha soldiers and the widows and dependants of the Nepali soldiers killed during their service for the

Indian armed forces. Books were also donated to 59 libraries, educational and training institutions.

Let’s fight poverty together: Modi

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday invited neighbouring countries to jointly fight against poverty. Delivering his speech at the Red Fort to mark the 70th Independence Day of India, Modi said there was a need to eradicate poverty in the region. “Saarc countries have a common problem—poverty. I call upon all to come together and fight poverty, not each other. There cannot be a bigger independence than freedom from poverty,” Modi said. Addressing the nation on Independence Day, Indian President Pranab Mukherjee said on Sunday that “India’s focus in foreign policy will remain on peaceful co-existence and harnessing tech and resources for economic development”. (PR)