The People Of Nepal

Introduction

As an Indian citizen, it is a great honor to extend warm greetings to the people of Nepal on the occasion of Constitution Day. Nepal's journey towards a federal democratic republic, symbolized by the promulgation of its Constitution in 2015, is an inspiring testament to the values of freedom, inclusivity, and self-governance.

On this significant day, we celebrate not only the achievements of the Nepali people in building a democratic society but also the deep bond shared between India and Nepal. Our two nations are united by centuries of shared history, culture, and spiritual traditions. As neighbors and friends, we have always stood by each other, supporting one another’s aspirations for peace, prosperity, and progress.

May the Constitution of Nepal continue to guide the country towards greater development and unity. As India and Nepal continue to work together on the principles of mutual respect and cooperation, I look forward to seeing our bilateral relations grow stronger in the years to come.

Happy Constitution Day to the people of Nepal! May this day mark continued success and harmony for the nation.

NEPAL

Nepal officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, It lies between latitudes 26° and 31°N, and longitudes 80° and 89°E. is a landlocked country in South Asia. Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the largest city of Nepal.

It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.

It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, and India to the south, east, and west, while it is narrowly separated from Bangladesh by the Siliguri Corridor, and from Bhutan by the Indian state of Sikkim.

Nepal has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including Mount Everest, the highest point on Earth.

INDIA NEPAL RELATIONS

Nepal shares border with 5 Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

The age old civilizational and cultural ties that exist between India and Nepal are exemplified by the strong people to people link between both the countries. Nepal is a priority partner of India under its ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy.

Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi had visited Nepal 05 times since May 2014 and Prime Ministers of Nepal have visited India 10 times since May 2014.

The last visit by PM Modi to Nepal was his visit to Lumbini on 16 May 2022, on the holy occasion of Buddha Purnima.

The Prime Minister of Nepal to India, Mr. Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ visited India for a stand-alone official visit from 31 May – 3 June 2023.

At the invitation of PM Modi, PM Prachanda also attended the Swearing-In ceremony in New Delhi from 9-10 June, 2024.

Both Nepal and India are deeply rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism, with Nepal being the birthplace of Lord Buddha and India being the birthplace of Hinduism. They both celebrate similar festivals like Diwali, Dashain (in Nepal)/Durga Puja (in India), and Holi.

Nepali and Hindi, the major languages of both countries, are derived from Sanskrit and share many linguistic similarities.

Both countries are known for the ancient practice of yoga and meditation, which has influenced wellness traditions worldwide.

Both countries have culturally significant rivers, like the Ganges in India and the Koshi and Bagmati in Nepal, which hold spiritual and religious importance.

COLLABORATIONS AND COOPERATION

India is the largest developmental donor of Nepal, with the major portion of developmental assistance focused on large scale infrastructure projects under grants, necessary for the rapid development of Nepal, in the field of priority sectors such as health, education and connectivity.

India has a long history of development cooperation commencing from 1950s onwards. Some of the major projects undertaken and completed with the Government of India grant assistance includes, Gauchar Airport (presently Tribhuvan Airport), East West Highway.

The Government of India has also been working with the Government of Nepal at the grass root level through the implementation of High Impact Community Development Project (HICDP) in building hospitals, schools, colleges, drinking water facilities, sanitation, drainage, rural electrification, hydropower, embankment and river training works, so as to improve the overall quality of life at the local level.

The cap for each project has been increased to INR 20 crores in January 2024.

India has been a long-standing partner of Nepal, during emergencies and crisis situation. Nepali nationals in conflict zones, have been evacuated along with Indian nationals under Government of India’s evacuation efforts under ‘Operation Ajay’, ‘Operation Ganga’ etc.

India was also the first responder when a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck Nepal on 25 April 2015 (followed by a powerful aftershock of 7.4 magnitude on 12 May 2015).

The Government of India swiftly dispatched National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams and special aircraft with rescue and relief materials to Nepal. India’s assistance, which reached Nepal within six hours of the earthquake, included 16 NDRF teams, 39 IAF aircraft sorties with 571 tons of relief material including rescue equipment, medical supplies, food, water, tents, blankets and tarpaulin.

Similarly, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of India ensured that the supply lines of trade between India and Nepal remained open. Nepal was one of the first country to receive the ‘Made in India- COVID-19’ vaccine on 21 January 2021.

India and Nepal share an organic cultural link.

Government of India initiatives to promote people-to-people contacts in the fields of art & culture, academics and media include cultural programmes, symposia and events organized in partnership with different local bodies of Nepal, as well as conferences and seminars in Hindi, Sanskrit.

The 75 years of “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” was celebrated in Nepal in 2023

ECONOMIC EXCHANGES :

Indian firms are among the largest investors in Nepal, accounting for 33.5% of the total FDI stock in Nepal, worth nearly USD 670 million.

Nepal is India’s 17th largest export destination, up from 28th position in 2014.

India constitutes 64.1% of the total trade of Nepal, comprising about $8.85 billion USD (Indian FY 22-23). This includes $8.015 billion USD of exports from India to Nepal and $839.62 million USD of exports from Nepal to India.

India is Nepal’s largest export destination, receiving an overwhelming 67.9% of its total exports . Nepal’s exports mainly constitute edible oil, coffee, tea and jute. Nepal’s main imports from India are petroleum products, Iron & Steel, Cereals, Vehicles and Parts, Machinery parts.

EMBASSY LOCATIONS

Government of India has its Embassy in Kathmandu and a Consulate General in Birgunj (south-central part of Nepal).

Government of Nepal has its Embassy in New Delhi and a Consulate General in Kolkata.

CONCLUSION

As a citizen of India I feel happy to share this information for the citizens of both countries and promote this values between two Neighbor nations , we share constitutional values and ecosystem of Democracy which is to promote peace and protect human rights .