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The House of Representatives on Tuesday witnessed a heated debate as cross-party lawmakers raised multiple pressing issues that need immediate government attention. Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha was absent, so Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal responded to the questions. 

One key topic was China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). PM Dahal reminded lawmakers that the BRI Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in 2017 during his second term as prime minister.

In Sept 2023, during Dahal’s visit to China, the two sides held discussions on finalizing the BRI implementation plan. Nine months later, Dahal informed Parliament that the implementation plan is in its final stages and will be signed soon, although he did not specify the dates. Lawmakers expressed concerns about the potential debt burden on Nepal if loans are taken to finance infrastructure projects under the BRI.

PM Dahal reassured lawmakers that Nepal prefers grants over loans and, if loans are taken, they would be concessional to avoid a ‘debt trap’. He stated, “I have clearly told the Chinese side that Nepal cannot afford high-interest rates and prefers the same interest rates as the World Bank and Asian Development Bank.” 

Nepali Congress lawmaker Ram Hari Khatiwada requested that grants be prioritized over soft loans, emphasizing that any loan interest rates should not exceed 1 to 1.5 percent. Transparency regarding the interest rates of BRI loans is often lacking, with rates reportedly at two percent or higher.

Lawmaker Shishir Khanal from the Rastriya Swatantra Party argued that there should be parliamentary deliberations about the BRI agreements with China. Due to the lack of debate in Parliament, negative perceptions of the BRI have arisen outside of it, Khanal said.  While the two countries are negotiating the implementation plan, the government has yet to publicize it.

Lawmakers also questioned the PM about issues relating to India. Despite the report of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) being almost inactive, PM Dahal assured lawmakers that efforts are underway to submit the EPG report to both sides. He acknowledged that he did not bring up the issue during his visit to India last year to avoid straining bilateral relations. Lawmakers also inquired about the ongoing map dispute with India and the progress made in diplomatic negotiations. PM Dahal stated, “Efforts are underway to resolve this issue through bilateral mechanisms formed to address boundary disputes.”

The issue of Nepalis trapped in the Russia-Ukraine war was prominently raised, but PM Dahal did not provide a clear answer about the government’s efforts. Unofficial figures indicate that around three dozen Nepalis who joined the Russian army have died, and hundreds are trapped in the war zone. The PM mentioned that both sides are in constant talks to resolve the problem and that a committee has been formed to provide recommendations on managing the movement of people between Nepal and Russia.

Recently, the government has faced criticism for recalling ambassadors before completion of their terms and violation of its own recruitment standards for new ambassadors. PM Dahal admitted these shortcomings and pledged that future appointments would be merit-based and better managed.

PM Dahal also faced questions about efforts to convene the SAARC summit, stalled since 2014. He attributed the delay to souring relations between India and Pakistan but did not mention the impact of recent developments in Afghanistan. He stated, “I have clearly talked with Indian Minister for External Affairs S. Jaishankar about the need to organize the SAARC summit, but India has indicated there are complexities involved.” With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi taking office for a third consecutive term, fresh debates about the possibility of organizing the SAARC summit have emerged.

The PM also addressed questions related to Gorkha recruitment and the 1947 tripartite agreement among Nepal, India, and the UK. He emphasized the need to update the agreement in the changing context, based on national consensus. A section of Nepali politicians has long demanded the scrapping of the treaty.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has made it clear that initiatives are on for receiving the report of the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) through understanding of the two countries. He said that he made the initiation for an understanding in that connection during his recent visit to India.

Responding to the supplementary questions of lawmakers on the budget and programs allocated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the subordinate bodies under the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, the PM reiterated that the Nepal-India relations and treaties would be moved forward on the basis of national understanding.

Stating that regular contact and coordination is being established with the Embassy of Nepal in Moscow and the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Kathmandu regarding the information on the Nepali citizens who have died and held captive due to the Russia-Ukraine war, he said a taskforce has been set up to give recommendations for making the movement of Nepalis in Russia systematic.

The PM added that talks are being held with Ukraine through diplomatic channels in connection with the Nepalis held captive there in the course of the conflict.

Making it clear that the appointment of ambassadors would be done on a merit basis, he vowed to render it more systematic in the coming days.

'Government has kept rescue of Nepalis in difficulty in foreign land in priority'

Similarly, PM Dahal stated that Nepal's diplomatic missions abroad have kept in high priority the task of facilitating the rescue of Nepali nationals in difficulty in foreign countries and in their repatriation home to Nepal if needed.

He said the Nepali ambassadors and mission chiefs have been provided orientation for making the foreign employment dignified, safe and systematic, adding that arrangements have been made so that services like repatriation of the bodies of those Nepalis killed abroad to Nepal and securing compensation would be available from the Nepal's foreign diplomatic missions 24 hours.

"Arrangements have been made for establishing easy contact through hotline service as well as website and social site, besides telephone service at some of the diplomatic missions. Shelter homes have been managed at some missions including in Saudi Arabia, among some countries. The missions have been running psycho-social counseling services targeting the Nepali migrant workers through direct and online means," he said.

The Prime Minister said that the Department of Passports has made the passport distribution and renewal services more effective and friendly to the service-seekers.

Likewise, PM Dahal said that the government is committed to mobilizing Nepal's overseas diplomatic missions and their chiefs to the best interest of the nation. He also made it clear that the government can, as per the Guidelines on Appointment of Ambassadors, recall the ambassadors before completion of their tenure if it deems necessary.

He further added that the policy of appointing at least 50 per cent ambassadors from the foreign services itself has been continued for keeping a balance between political appointments and the professionals in the ambassadorial appointments.

The Prime Minister expressed his belief that the ambassadorial appointment would be rendered more systematic, prestigious and transparent, and based on capacity and job performance, making the Guidelines as the main basis.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has clarified that the government is determined that all territories east of Kali (Mahakali) river including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu pass belong to Nepal.

Responding to queries raised by lawmakers during the discussion on headings of Foreign Ministry under the Appropriation Bill, 2081 in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dahal reminded that as per the Nepal-India Sugauli Treaty, 1816, these territories belong to Nepal and a political map incorporating these territories was published.

He further said that during the meeting with his Indian counterpart in the course of India visit, an understanding was reached to revise and update the existing treaties and agreements including the 1950 India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship as well as to resolve border-related issues through diplomatic channels. 

A letter has been sent to the Indian side through diplomatic channels for the seventh meeting of the Border Working Group related to Nepal-India Border as per the commitment made in the seventh meeting of Nepal-India Joint Commission to complete the works in the remaining section of Nepal-India border, explained the PM. The seventh meeting of the commission was held on January 2.

Stating that border problems surfaced between Nepal-China are resolved through bilateral talks and consensus, he mentioned that a consensus was forged during the meeting between the two ministers of Nepal and China in course of Nepal visit of State Councilor and Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi, to forward activities related to Nepal-China Joint Border Monitoring, through mutual consultation.

The Prime Minister stressed, "I want to make it clear that the Government of Nepal does not have any policy to give permission to Nepali citizens for recruitment in foreign army except some friendly nations according to past agreements."

Stating that the Gurkha recruitment in the British Army took place by the 1947's trilateral agreement, he said the government has realized the need to negotiate with the UK government based on a national consensus to make the treaty compatible with time.

He apprised the House that the government is in regular touch with the Nepali Embassy in Moscow and the Embassy of Russian Federation in Kathmandu to take updates on Nepali citizens killed in the Russia-Ukraine war and those held captive.

"On this matter, I also informed the House about the conversation between the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Russian Federation's foreign affairs minister on the telephone."

A task force has been formed to give submissions for systematizing the travel of Nepali in Russia.  Similarly, diplomatic talks with the Ukraine government are underway regarding those Nepalis held in captives, he added.

He also utilized the rostrum that in the case of one Bipin Joshi from Nepal who disappeared following the attack of Hamas in Israel in October last year, the governments of Israel, mediator Qatar, and Egypt, a close neighbor of both parties, have been urged for the release of Joshi. Both official and unofficial meetings have been utilized to advocate and appeal for the safe release of Joshi, according to him.

Nepali missions abroad have been established on the criteria of proximity, the size of the Nepali populace in the respective country, the status of bilateral trade, tourism and economic relations, and political and economic, and strategic importance among others, he said before the House.

The Department of Passport continues to make efforts to make the service delivery system prompt and civic-friendly, the Prime Minister said, adding that it is required to make the passport service more accessible, systematic, and simpler.

"Considering the convenience of Nepali abroad, the passport and consular services are further enriched technically.  Arrangements are in place to operate a mobile service camp to collect passport applications and the distribution in those countries when Nepal has no embassies," he said.

The government is working to strengthen the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) as an institute for studying, researching, promoting, and publishing matters about foreign affairs, and diplomatic issues along with the management of training for staff from the diplomatic field.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that Nepal is a beautiful country from the nature perspective for practicing yoga for the people around the world.

Addressing a program marking the International Day of Yoga today, he expressed the belief that Nepal could be the main destination for researchers and academics throughout the world who are studying the knowledge and science related to yoga. 

Stating that yoga is not only to do with physical exercise, but it also is about a scientific lifestyle and living system to be adopted, remaining in certain rules, procedures and process, the Prime Minister said yoga helps make an individual physically, mentally and spiritually strong, and to lead a healthy life.

"Yoga is the best way to make the body healthy and agile, and the mind pure and peaceful. A person can build strong health and become free from mental tension through regular practice of yoga. This also enhances a person's work performance and immune power, a positive mindset, self-discipline and inner energy," he said. 

Noting that yoga has a significant role to play in the development of a tension-free calm mind and a healthy body, PM Dahal said the regular practice of yoga and meditation can make important contributions to the prevention and cure of non-communicable diseases and in rehabilitation of health.

"Nepal is a country having immense possibilities for yoga tourism. Therefore, we should emphasize the globalization of yoga. I heartily appeal to the yoga activists and the yoga gurus to take planned initiatives towards this direction," he added.

Reiterating that yoga is the general lifestyle and an invaluable asset of Nepal, Prime Minister Dahal expressed the confidence the proposed Yogmaya Ayurveda University would establish itself as a world-class university in future.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said his recent visit to India has significantly contributed to promoting bilateral goodwill and relations.

In his address to the House of Representatives (HoR) session today, the head of the government shared that his official India visit (June 9-10) contributed to further consolidating friendly relations and cooperative, multidimensional, and close relations between the two close nations based on equality and benefits. 

He informed the House that during the visit, he attended the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi, who assumed office for the third consecutive term on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party.  The ceremony was attended by the head of the state and the head of the government from various nations. 

 The Prime Minister briefed the House that the two held a bilateral meeting following the oath-taking ceremony and exchanged views regarding the stringing of Nepal-India ties, implementation of bilateral agreements and understandings, and regularizing meetings of all bilateral- mechanisms, implementation of the Pancheshwor Multi-Purpose Project, and cooperation in the Arun Hydro Power and the agricultural sectors.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal congratulated his Indian counterpart on assuming office for the third term.

On June 10, the Prime Minister paid a courtesy call on the President of India, Droupadi Murmu.  The two exchanged views on potential ways for taking the centuries-old and close relations between the two countries to a new height, according to the Prime Minister. He also met with newly appointed Minister Dr S Jaishankar during the visit.

Moreover, during his meetings with the President and representatives of the Federation of Indian  Chambers of Commerce and Industry, matters relating to the expansion of Nepal-India trade and the growth of Indian investment in Nepal's sectors of priorities were discussed, the Prime Minister told the House.

In New Delhi, the Prime Minister attended a reception hosted by the Nepali Embassy there and held meetings and interactions with various political leaders, friends of Nepal, and representatives of Nepali organizations. 

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has clarified that the action against the guilty of Tikapur massacre would be taken as per the law.

Responding to queries of lawmakers in today's meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that there was an irreparable loss of lives and property in the Tikapur massacre.

He explained that the issue of granting amnesty to the guilty of the incident would be according to law.

 Stating that the government was serious on the issue of establishing the identity of economically and socially backward communities including Tharu as well as guaranteeing the rights of the communities through economic and social empowerment, the PM stressed that the government has been launching different programs through periodic plans, annual policies, programs and budget.

Prime Minister Dahal underlined that consistency has been maintained in the budget by holding intensive discussion with all bodies concerned on the issue of policies and programs.

He further said that the government has set a target of transformation in the education sector across the country, clarifying that educational quality in Madhes Province should be improved.

Some of the special programs-- scholarship and day-meal are in implementation to establish access of neglected and oppressed communities to education and the budget of the coming fiscal year has also incorporated additional programmes, mentioned PM Dahal.

The Prime Minister shared that there was no problem in the payment to be provided to construction entrepreneurs. Activities are underway regarding long-term operation of Pokhara International Airport by holding discussion and coordination, he underlined that coordination was on to provide different types of discount and concession to operate service from Pokhara airport as international air service providers of other countries have demanded this.

A working committee has been formed to submit suggestions regarding operation and construction of three international airports including Pokhara in a long-term manner at public private partnership, he added.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has briefed today's meeting of the House of Representatives about his India visit.

PM Dahal informed the HoR about his India visit while responding to queries raised by lawmakers. 

Prime Minister Dahal had embarked on an India visit on June 9 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He reminded that the two-day visit was not based on any predetermined agenda, but a different one.

The Prime Minister responded to queries raised by lawmakers during emergency, zero and special hours of the HoR meeting.

Today's HoR meeting has an agenda where eight different ministers would respond to the queries raised during the discussion on Appropriation Bill, 2081.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized on coordination and cooperation between sides concerned to solve the problems and challenges in the field of medical education.

Addressing a meeting of the Medical Education Commission today, Prime Minister Dahal said cooperation between the three levels of government, educational institutions providing medical education and all stakeholders in the health sector is necessary to improve the quality of health services and medical education.

"The Commission needs to play an effective role in the quality improvement, development, expansion and regulation of the health sector. All other stakeholders should cooperate and collaborate for it ", he said.

He also lauded the works done by the commission, describing it as a positive and integral part of improving medical education and service delivery in the country.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged the developed countries to help address challenges faced by the countries which missed industrial revolutions.

PM Dahal made such an urge while inaugurating the 21st replenishment meeting of IDA (IDA21) that kicked off in the federal capital, Kathmandu this morning.

The World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) has been a committed partner in South Asia for over six decades.

PM Dahal argued that assistance to the countries lagging behind industrial development was essential for achieving the global goal of peace and prosperity. The development pace could be intensified through the concessional financial aid, according to him.

"The aid can be mobilized for just access to resources, technology and investment. Inclusive economy can be promoted by ending existing financial gaps," he reminded, adding that initiatives of sustainable development warrants support.

The Head of the Government informed Nepal was in a short supply of financial resources to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and sustainable infrastructures despite its efforts for inclusive economic development. The revenue constraint and trade loss are nagging problems, he reminded. Therefore, financial assistance in grants is required for Nepal to create jobs, spur economic activities and upgrade country status from LDC.

"Human capital, health, and quality education need financial resources. Quality enhancement of infrastructure and people's lifestyle are our priorities," PM Dahal said, "Digitalization, investment in productive sectors, promotion of entrepreneurship, skill development is also in focus."

The issue of food security triggered by climate change is equally worth mentioning. The achievements made so far must not be reversed. "Nepal has been advocating for climate justice along with compensation for loss and damages, for it is bearing the disproportionate effect of climate change," PM Dahal mentioned, making the participants aware of Nepal's efforts on hardships like earthquake, COVID-19 and global recession.

Moreover, Dahal believed that the IDA-21 meeting would be successful to forge a consensus among the donors and recipients on the documents of policy priorities and results for the coming three years, and make a high level resolution to address unprecedented challenges.

Nepal and other receiving countries want to see larger impacts of IDA, he reiterated.

PM's address features Nepal's potentials along with political stability like hydropower, tourism, agriculture and diligent youths. IDA is a significant development partner to Nepal. It had provided huge financial resources for the reconstruction after the 2015 Earthquake, he shared.

Senior Managing Director at World Bank, Axel van Trotsenburg, viewed the meeting will provide a guideline for mobilization of IDA resources in addition to making plans for the coming decade.

On the occasion, Managing Director at Dwarika Hotel, Sangita Shrestha, urged the development partners and policy makers to work actively for effective mobilization of financial resources that cater to sustainable development efforts.

The event attended by over 200 representatives from 61 countries including high level officials of the World Bank runs through June 21.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said the government's policies and programs for the new fiscal year are in the interests of the citizens and Nepal.

Talking to the media at Bharatpur Airport today, the Prime Minister said that overall, the budget is satisfactory. "I hope it will be endorsed by the House of Representatives smoothly."

The Prime Minister claimed that the budget highlighted several government initiatives for good governance, social justice and prosperity. "I feel that more initiatives are needed to meet the people's aspirations."

Responding to a query about the possibility of the change of Inspector General of Police, he said no such thing would happen. "This is just a rumor," he said, adding that he recently summoned chiefs of security bodies and urged them to work confidently.

The Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Vice Chairman Bater met with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal at the latter's office in Singhadurbar on Sunday.

During the meeting, issues of bilateral relations, mutual cooperation and implementation of the bilateral agreements and consensus were discussed.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Dahal expressed pleasure at the gradual implementation of different agreements signed between Nepal and China during his latest China visit, the PM's Foreign Advisor Dr Rupak Sapkota said.

The PM also thanked the Chinese government for its decision to resume 14 traditional points along the Nepal-China border.

The PM also expressed confidence for the gradual implementation of other agreements signed between the two countries. 

Likewise, discussions were held to further expand the exchanges of parliamentary exercises between Nepal and China.

On the occasion, the CPPCC Vice Chairman Bater said China attaches top priority to its relations with Nepal and the areas of cooperation would be further deepened in the coming days.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal advocated for collaboration and cooperation among the three-tier government, local communities, and authorities in conserving the Chure region.

Speaking at a tree plantation program commemorating the 10th Chure Conservation Day, the Prime Minister said that the conservation of the Chure is a multifaceted issue connecting to the livelihoods of Tarai-Madhesh people. He stressed the necessity of combined efforts for its preservation.

Highlighting the need to implement the 20-year Chure Tarai-Madhesh Conservation and Management Master Plan endorsed in 2074 BS, with subsequent amendments, the Prime Minister said the need for a dedicated act on the Chure conservation has been realized and the government is coordinating towards that end.

He praised the successful afforestation program, speaking of its positive impact on raising awareness about forest and wildlife conservation.

Around 10,000 hectares of open and abandoned land have been afforested with various plant species under the Rastrapati Chure Tarai-Madhes Conservation Development Committee, he added.

PM Dahal on the occasion applauded the Committee's role in promoting greenery and maintaining ecosystem balance.

He urged all stakeholders, including local governments, to prioritize the conservation of newly planted trees, wishing that the Green Campaign would contribute to enhancing people's livelihood in the Chure Tarai-Madhes region.

Prime Minister Dahal further shared that the Chure hill range that spreads over 37 districts from Ilam in the east to Kanchanpur district in the west of the country is very sensitive from a geo-biological and geological point of view. It is rich in biological diversity and is the habitat of and biological route for rare wild animals.

"The Chure hills system is the water source for the Tarai-Madhesh, the natural resources in the Chure area are the lifeline for the people living in the lowland region, i.e. Madhesh," said the Prime Minister.

 "Today, the natural resources in the Chure conservation area knowingly and unknowingly are under the vicious cycle of human encroachment. Physical infrastructure development without preparing the detailed project report, engineering design and environmental impact study has weakened the Chure mountain range,” he said.

Stating that the exploitation of Chure area has increased due to the collection and excavation of stones, gravel, and sand, Prime Minister Dahal mentioned that it has created a serious crisis in the environmental integrity of the river system.

He said that the protection of the Chure region is becoming a challenge day by day due to increasing population in Chure area, unorganized settlement, human encroachment upon forests, forest fires, uncontrolled cattle grazing and exploitation of river materials, unorganized physical infrastructure construction, soil erosion.

"Only if nature is clean, our lives will be safe and only if we protect nature, nature will protect us," the PM reiterated.

He called for saving the people of Tarai-Madhesh from disasters and protecting and preserving the forests, flora, fauna and ecological system in the Chure area.

The Prime Minister urged the three levels of government and all the state agencies to collect and excavate stones, gravel and sand only by conducting environmental studies in accordance with the concept of systematic physical development, taking care of the right of the future generations to live in harmony with nature there.

Nepali Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak has demanded Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal to brief the House about his recent India visit.

Speaking in an emergency hour of today's meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), Chief Whip Lekhak shared that the Prime Minister should inform the House while embarking to any friendly nation in the parliamentary practice

"The Prime Minister embarked on a two-day India visit on June 9. He has not yet briefed the House about his visit even though five days passed. As the leader of the opposition, I had to remind the Prime Minister that he is the leader of the House," he said.

Prime Minister Dahal had embarked on a two-day India visit on June 9 to attend the swearing -in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for third tenure. 

Stating that President Ram Chandra Paudel had left for Switzerland on June 11 to participate in the 112th session of the International Labor Conference, NC leader Lekhak explained that it is not good for the House to get information about the visit of the President and Prime Minister by reading the newspaper.

He underlined that not only the Head of the State and Prime Minister, but there is a practice in some of the countries that ministers also go in foreign visits informing the House when the House is in session.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal inaugurated the 400-KV Hetauda sub-station amidst a program organized by Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in Hetauda today.

The sub-station is located at Thana Bharyang of Hetuda Sub-Metropolitan City- 11 in Makawanpur district. It is the third largest automatic sub-station in the country based on Gas Insulated System (GIS) and was brought into operation (charge) last Friday.

Along with this, two other sub-stations of 220 KV capacity and 132/11 KV capacity have been constructed at Thana Bharyang itself by Nepal-India Electricity Transmission and Trade Project and they have been charged also since last Friday.

The GIS technology based automatic Dhalkebar sub-station is the first largest such sub-station of the country while the Inaruwa sub-station is the second largest and the Hetauda sub-station the third largest ones. These structures have been constructed to make the east-west power supply reliable and of quality within the country and to facilitate power trade with India.

With the construction of the sub-station at Hetauda, infrastructures capable of transmitting around 4,000 megawatts of electricity have been readied. It is expected that domestic electricity supply would be further strengthened and the electricity trade with India would be expanded, as 4,000 megawatts power can be transmitted east-west from Dhalkebar with the completion of the construction of the Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400-KV transmission line.

A double-circuit transmission line of 400-KV capacity that would be constructed from Ratmate of Nuwakot through the US assistance Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) would be connected to Hetauda substation. The required infrastructures have been built at Hetauda substation for this purpose.

The Hetauda, Dhalkebar and Inaruwa 400-kV substation expansion project had been started through the joint investment of the Government of Nepal and NEA under the National Electricity Development Decade program. All the three substations under the Project have been constructed.

The contract agreement for the construction of the 220/132/11- KV Hetauda substation was signed in December 2018. It is constructed by Nepal-India Electricity Transmission and Trade Project with government and NEA investment and soft loan from the World Bank. The estimated cost of the 400, 200 and 132 kV Hetauda substation is Rs 3 billion.

The construction of the Hetauda-Dhalkebar-Inaruwa 400 KV transmission line has been completed.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is scheduled to inaugurate the Hetauda sub-station of the transmission line project at Thanabharyang in Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City-11, Makawanpur, this afternoon, Substation Project Chief Shukraraj Devkota said.

The transmission line is expected to strengthen and ensure a reliable power transmission system in the country and facilitate the undisrupted energy trade between Nepal and India.

With the completion of 154 kilometers long double circuit power grid of 400 kilovolts, as high as 4000 megawatts of power could be supplied through this line, officials said.

Wrapping up his official visit to India, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has returned home this evening.

Upon arrival at the VVIP lounge of Tribhuvan International Airport, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, MPs, Heads of Security Agencies and high-ranking officials of the Government of Nepal.

A contingent of the Nepal Army also offered a guard of honor to Prime Minister Dahal.

The Prime Minister had left for New Delhi on Sunday afternoon leading the Nepali delegation to attend the swearing-in ceremony of his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi.

After the swearing-in ceremony, Prime Minister Dahal also held a brief meeting with his counterpart Modi and paid a courtesy call on the President of India Droupadi Murmu today.

During the meetings, various aspects of Nepal-India relations were discussed, according to the Prime Minister's Secretariat.

Prime Minister Dahal was accompanied by his daughter Ganga Dahal, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and other high-ranking government officials.