FM N Sitharaman Meets Nepalese Counterpart on Flood Relief Efforts
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met her Nepalese counterpart Swarnim Wagle in New Delhi on September 17 to discuss the impact of the recent devastating floods in Nepal. The meeting focused on Nepal’s plans for reconstruction and rehabilitation following the disaster.
During the meeting, Sitharaman expressed condolences for the lives lost in the floods and reaffirmed India’s continued support for Nepal’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. Wagle thanked India for the assistance already provided, including relief supplies and technical support for rescue and relief operations.
The recent floods have caused widespread damage across Nepal, affecting infrastructure and communities. Nepal is now preparing for a major reconstruction effort, with damaged roads, bridges, power facilities and other infrastructure needing repair or rebuilding. The disaster has also left thousands of people missing, making rescue and rehabilitation efforts particularly challenging.
The discussions between the two finance ministers also covered wider economic cooperation between India and Nepal. Both sides discussed ways to strengthen trade, investment, development cooperation and connectivity between the two neighbouring countries.
Connectivity was an important part of the discussions, as stronger transport and economic links could support trade and movement between the two countries. The ministers also emphasised the importance of strengthening the long-standing economic partnership between India and Nepal.
Wagle’s visit was his first official trip to India since becoming Nepal’s Finance Minister. During the three-day visit, he was also scheduled to meet other Indian officials and discuss Nepal’s economic and development priorities. Post-disaster reconstruction and bilateral economic cooperation were among the main issues of his visit.
The meeting comes as Nepal continues rescue, relief and recovery operations after the floods. Both countries have indicated that continued cooperation will be important as Nepal moves from emergency relief towards long-term rebuilding.
The discussions between Sitharaman and Wagle highlighted the close economic relationship between India and Nepal and the need for continued cooperation during the recovery process. India’s support and Nepal’s reconstruction plans are expected to remain important parts of the countries’ bilateral discussions in the coming months.