India, Nepal agree to review treaties

PRASHANT ACHARYA, EOI, Kathmandu, 27 Jul 2014: India’s external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj’s visit to Nepal has effected a historical development between the two neighbouring countries in that both sides have agreed to review the treaty of 1950.

During a joint commission meeting in Kathmandu Saturday evening, both sides agreed to review all major treaties and agreements including the debated Peace and Friendship treaty of 1950.

Nepal’s foreign minister Mahendra Pandey, who was present during the meeting, informed the two countries have come to an agreement to set up an Eminent Persons Group (EPG) team comprising members from both countries and this team will be handed over with the responsibility to review the treaties and agreements.

The EPG will comprise foreign secretaries, lawmakers, legal experts and members of civil society with each nation contributing four dignitaries.

Amit Rai, India Division Head of the ministry of foreign affairs said, “The EPG is mandated to make necessary recommendations to update or amend all the existing treaties and the body has two years’ time to submit its report to the respective governments.”

In a marathon meeting that lasted for almost 12 hours, Swaraj met almost all top-level Nepalese ministers and leaders and gave a clear message that her country will not interfere in the  political matters of Nepal.

The upcoming visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being seen as a very important one for Nepal’s political circles and Left parties have already requested India to initiate power projects for Nepal, a country that has been facing frequent power outages despite being blessed with innumerable springs and water resources.

Some agreements signed between the two nations during Swaraj’s visit include the expedited construction of integrated check posts, a trauma centre in Kathmandu, an international level cricket stadium in Pokhara, while India will also help her neighbor in the goitre control programme.

Swaraj visited the world heritage site of Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu early this morning to offer prayers before boarding a  special charted flight for New Delhi.