Context: Recently, the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission was held in Kathmandu, Nepal.

India, Nepal hold Seventh Joint Commission Meeting

• The 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission was attended by the Indian External Affairs Minister and his Nepali counterpart to discuss various aspects of bilateral relations across a range of areas like  trade and economic relations, land, rail and air connectivity projects, energy, disaster management etc.

About India-Nepal Joint Commission: 

• It was established in 1987 as a platform for the Foreign Ministers of both countries to review all aspects of the bilateral partnership.

Key Outcomes from the India-Nepal Joint Commission Meeting

• Power Export Agreement: Nepal and India signed a long-term agreement for the export of 10,000 MW of power to India for the next 10 years.
• Cooperation in Renewable Energy: The Nepal Electricity Authority and India’s National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) also signed an MoU for cooperation in renewable energy.
• Inauguration of Cross-Border Transmission Lines: Inauguration of 3 cross-border transmission lines which was completed with the help of India (132 kV Raxaul-Parwanipur, 132 kV Kushaha-Kataiya and New Nautanwa-Mainahiya lines).
• Financial Aid for Reconstruction: India will provide 10 billion rupees to Nepal for reconstruction of earthquake hit areas of  Jajarkot and Rukum West.
• Satellite Cooperation Agreement: An agreement for the launch of Nepali satellites was formalized between the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and NewSpace India Limited under the Indian Space Research Organisation.

To Read More about: India-Nepal Relations

News source: The Indian Express