The formal handover of these 200 prefabricated houses on January 4, 2024 coincided with the official visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Nepal….reports Asian Lite News
In a notable display of collaborative spirit, India has completed the installation of the first of 200 prefabricated houses in Jajarkot, Nepal. This initiative, a part of India’s comprehensive aid effort, aims to provide immediate shelter to the victims of the devastating 6.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the region.
The formal handover of these 200 prefabricated houses on January 4, 2024 coincided with the official visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to Nepal. The Indian Embassy in Nepal took to social media platform X on Tuesday (January 16, 2024) to announce that the first of these houses had been installed.
During the handover ceremony, which marked a crucial phase of India’s support in the aftermath of the earthquake, particularly in the Ramidanda area, EAM Jaishankar emphasized the deep-rooted solidarity between India and Nepal.
In addition to the handover of the prefabricated houses, EAM Jaishankar and Nepal’s Foreign Minister NP Saud oversaw the distribution of other essential supplies including blankets, tents, and sleeping bags to the earthquake-affected people.
India’s response to the Jajarkot earthquake has been prompt and substantial, marking it as the first foreign nation to extend aid to Nepal. The relief materials provided were valued at several crore rupees, assisting India’s proactive role in disaster management and recovery.
Additionally, EAM Jaishankar announced during his visit a generous grant assistance of INR 10 billion from the Indian government for Nepal’s post-earthquake reconstruction.
Further demonstrating India’s support, EAM Jaishankar inaugurated 59 post-earthquake reconstruction projects across various sectors, including the new building of Tribhuvan University Central Library, financed by India’s grant assistance.
The collaborative initiatives between the two nations extend beyond immediate disaster relief. During his visit, EAM Jaishankar and his counterpart, Foreign Minister Saud, co-chaired the 7th meeting of the India-Nepal Joint Commission. This meeting reviewed the broad spectrum of bilateral cooperation, including developmental partnerships. The Commission acknowledged the progress made since their last meeting in January 2021.
Several agreements and Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during this visit. These included an agreement for implementing High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs) in Nepal, with an increased budgetary ceiling, and an agreement for long-term power trade aimed at boosting Nepal’s hydropower generation and export to India.
Furthermore, the two ministers inaugurated three 132 kV cross-border transmission lines and witnessed the exchange of agreements in areas like renewable energy development and satellite launch services.
The External Affairs Minister’s recent visit, and the multidirectional aid provided by India, reinforces India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, highlighting the importance of Nepal as a priority partner and the enduring bond between the two neighbouring nations. (India News Network)
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