Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India’s ties with Nepal are unparalleled. Issuing a press statement ahead of Lumbini visit, Modi said the civilizational and people-to-people contacts between India and Nepal form the enduring edifice of our close relationship.

My visit is intended to celebrate and further deepen these time-honored linkages that have been fostered through centuries and recorded in our long history of inter-mingling, he said.

I also look forward to meeting Prime Minister Deuba again after our productive discussions during his visit to India last month, he said.  “We will continue to build on our shared understanding to expand cooperation in multiple areas, including in hydropower, development and connectivity.