Modi offers help for Nepal’s development

India is ready to be the ‘Sherpa’ to help Nepal scale the mountain of success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Saturday, hailing the Himalayan nation’s successful journey from “bullets to ballots”.

Addressing a civic reception programme to honour him here, Modi stressed on the special relation shared by the two neighbours and admired Nepal’s spirit of resilience and commitment towards democracy.

“Nepal has covered a long journey from Yuddh to Buddh (War to Peace). You have left the bullet to opt the ballot way...But this not the destination. You have to go a long way,” Modi said.

“You have reached the base camp of the Mt Everest and the main climb is yet to be done. And the way mountaineers are strongly helped by Sherpas to scale the summit, much the same way India is ready to work as the Sherpa for Nepal,” he added.

Modi said Nepal must identify its needs and priorities to deliver results. “India will stand shoulder-to-shoulder to help Nepal in its development journey. In your success lies our success, in your happiness lies India’s happiness.”

“India has always worked for global good. India has taken the lead in mitigating the menace of climate change. The International Solar Alliance has brought together nations from across the world,” he said.

Modi congratulated the Nepalese people for their combined strength to rebuild the country after the devastating earthquake of 2015.

He also congratulated them for the Constitution that reshaped the country’s political history by embracing federal system. “There is an atmosphere of hope and optimism in Nepal,” Modi said, adding that India would always become partner to Nepal’s progress.

Describing Kathmandu as a mixture of the ancient and the modern, Modi said the city showcases the culture of Nepal.

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