Bangkok: Nepal’s Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli hailed his recent meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “extremely fruitful and positive,” underscoring the continued strengthening of India-Nepal relations under the framework of the ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the 6th BIMSTEC Summit in Bangkok, marking yet another high-level engagement in the enduring bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring countries.

“I had a cordial meeting with my dear friend, Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. Our conversation was extremely fruitful and positive. I express my pleasure at this cordial meeting,” Prime Minister Oli posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Prime Minister Modi echoed similar sentiments, stating: “Had a productive meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in Bangkok. India attaches immense priority to relations with Nepal. We discussed various aspects of India-Nepal friendship, especially in sectors like energy, connectivity, culture, and digital technology. We also talked about some of the key positive outcomes from this year’s BIMSTEC Summit, especially in areas of disaster management and maritime transport.”

According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), both leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in enhancing physical and digital connectivity, strengthening people-to-people ties, and expanding collaboration in the energy sector.

This meeting follows their previous interaction at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last year.

A senior official from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking to local media ahead of the summit, expressed hope that the Bangkok meeting would pave the way for Prime Minister Oli’s long-anticipated official bilateral visit to India.

India and Nepal share centuries-old civilizational, cultural, and economic ties, rooted in a shared heritage and vibrant people-to-people linkages. India is Nepal’s largest development partner, providing significant grant-based assistance for infrastructure projects in priority sectors such as health, education, and connectivity—critical for the Himalayan nation’s rapid development.

As both countries continue to engage closely at regional and bilateral levels, the Bangkok meeting is seen as a positive step toward deepening the strategic partnership and addressing common challenges through cooperation and shared goals.