Jaishankar, Nepal FM Discuss Energy, Development Cooperation

India and Nepal discuss development partnership and energy cooperation during Jaishankar’s meeting with Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on the sidelines of the UNGA, with both sides reviewing recent bilateral progress.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal discussed bilateral cooperation, with development partnership and energy cooperation emerging as key areas of focus during their meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Jaishankar said the two sides followed up on bilateral developments since their previous meeting in New Delhi in June, particularly progress in development partnership and energy cooperation. The discussions formed part of a broader engagement aimed at advancing cooperation between India and Nepal.

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During their June meeting in New Delhi, the two ministers had reviewed the full range of bilateral relations, including development cooperation, connectivity, trade and transit, energy and people-to-people ties. They had also discussed cooperation in innovation and startups, digital and financial technology, and training and capacity building.

The latest meeting comes as India and Nepal continue to work on energy cooperation, an important component of their bilateral economic relationship. Both countries have been expanding electricity trade and cooperation in the power sector, alongside wider development and connectivity initiatives.

Khanal also expressed appreciation to India for its solidarity and immediate assistance following the recent floods in Nepal’s Bhotekoshi and Trishuli River basins. Nepal’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations said the minister conveyed his appreciation during the meeting and that the two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

India began providing relief assistance to Nepal following the floods, with supplies and specialist personnel transported through multiple dedicated aircraft. The assistance included temporary shelters, blankets, hygiene kits, solar lamps and medicines.

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The Jaishankar-Khanal meeting took place during the high-level week of the UN General Assembly, where both ministers are participating in a series of bilateral and multilateral engagements. The talks also underline the continuing focus on strengthening the longstanding India-Nepal relationship through development cooperation and economic and energy linkages.

Jaishankar is leading the Indian delegation at the UNGA and is scheduled to address the General Debate on September 26.