Kathmandu: Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat has described the relationship between India and Nepal as “tall as the Himalayas and as deep as the Indian Ocean”.
Rawat on Thursday said India’s goodwill towards its neighbour comes with “no strings attached”.
Without naming China, Rawat warned Kathmandu to be cautious when signing agreements with “other countries” in the region.
“The canvas and spread of cooperation, friendship and people to people contact between India and Nepal are deep and extensive. But in the present age, Nepal is also opening to other nations including China based on its independent foreign policy,” General Rawat was quoted as saying by ANI at the second annual dialogue with the Nepal Institute for International Cooperation and Engagement (NIICE) during the virtual meeting.
Speaking on the theme of “Soft Power Dimension: India-Nepal Relations,” CDS Rawat said, “India’s goodwill comes with no strings attached. Nepal is free to act independently in international affairs but must be vigilant and learn from Sri Lanka and other nations which have also signed agreements with other countries in the region.”
Rawat stressed on strengthening the already existing relationship.
Talking about the economic relations between the two countries, CDS Rawat was quoted as saying by ANI, “India’s economic relations with Nepal is quite unique although much more could be done. In 2019-2020 economic assistance has crossed Rs 12 billion for development in the various sector of the economy such as agriculture, water resources, energy, infrastructure and the list can go on and on.”
“The total bilateral trade has reached to the extend USD 8.27 billion. India’s exports for the same have been around USD 7.76 billion while the imports into India from Nepal has been USD 508 million,” General Rawat.