India visit fruitful in strengthening diplomatic relations: Minister Dr Rana

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Mar. 21: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has described her recent visit to India as fruitful in strengthening expanding relations, and fostering future cooperation in various sectors. 

Talking to media-persons at Tribhuvan International Airport upon her return home today, she shared insights from her participation in the Raisina Dialogue 2025 in New Delhi organised by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs from March 17 to 20.

On the sidelines of the conference, she held separate meetings with her counterparts from India, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine and the Philippines, and Ricky Gill, Senior Director for South and Central Asian Affairs at the National Security Council.

During her conservation with her Indian counterpart Dr S. Jaishankar, she urged the continuation of Nepal's electricity purchase from India.

"While in India, I made diplomatic efforts to resolve the current power shortage in Nepal. In particular, I have requested an increase in electricity supply through the Indian Energy Exchange in accordance with the existing bilateral agreement between Nepal and India."

During her conversation with Gill, she said she requested the continued US support for Nepal, and intervention in the safe releaser of Nepali citizen Bipin Joshi believed to be held captive by Hamas.

In a meeting with her Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, Dr Rana requested assistances in the safe release of seven Nepali citizens held as Prisoners of War in Ukraine, according to the secretariat of Foreign Minister Dr Rana.

Responding to queries on recent political development in Nepal, Dr Rana clarified that India remains committed to Nepal's democratic system. “There has been no discussion on this issue in India, but it is clear that India wants a democratic system in Nepal.”