India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is scheduled for a two-day visit to Kathmandu from January 4, where he will co-chair the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission with counterpart NP Saud. The visit includes meetings with Nepal’s leadership and prominent political figures, aligning with the tradition of high-level exchanges between the close and friendly neighbors. Under India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, Nepal holds a priority partnership, and both countries share unique ties characterized by an open border and deep people-to-people connections.
Established in 1987, the India-Nepal Joint Commission serves as a platform for comprehensive reviews of the bilateral partnership. Nepal’s Ambassador to India, Shankar Prasad Sharma, revealed ongoing efforts to establish a sister city relationship between Janakpur and Ayodhya, showcasing the commitment to strengthening cultural and regional ties. Recent collaborative events, such as the India-Nepal Cultural Festival in Lumbini, highlighted the rich cultural heritage and traditions of both nations, emphasizing the enduring friendship rooted in the India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950. The festival featured diverse elements, including a Sand Mandala Drawing Art Exhibition, a photo exhibition by renowned photographer Benoy Behl, a street food festival, and a cultural program.
India’s Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, along with Nepal’s Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Sudan Kirati, and Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, jointly inaugurated the festival. The photo exhibition showcased a collection of stunning photographs capturing the monuments and art heritage of Buddhism, providing a comprehensive perspective from ancient times to the present day.
