Kathmandu, May 12
Nepal and India have jointly announced Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha in Nepal, on May 16 on the occasion of Buddha Jayanti, Lord Buddha’s birth anniversary.
Both the governments say Modi is visiting Nepal at the invitation of his Nepali counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba and both the prime ministers will hold bilateral talks at Lumbini itself.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Minister Narayan Khadka will pay a courtesy call on Narendra Modi whereas Deuba will offer a luncheon.
“The upcoming visit of the prime minister of India will contribute to further strengthening the bilateral relations and the age-old socio-cultural bonds between the two countries.”
Likewise, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs says, “Prime Minister Modi’s visit continues the tradition of regular high-level exchanges between India and Nepal in furtherance of our Neighbourhood First policy. It underscores the shared civilisational heritage of the people of both countries.”
