India offers Nepal reconstruction support after devastating flash floods

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held talks with Nepal's Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle in New Delhi, focusing on recovery efforts following recent flash floods that claimed lives in the Himalayan nation and on measures to deepen bilateral economic cooperation.

Condolences and reconstruction support

The meeting saw Sitharaman convey her condolences on the loss of lives caused by the floods and assure Nepal of India's continued support for recovery and rebuilding efforts, the Finance Ministry said in a post on X. The two ministers discussed the impact of the floods and Nepal's priorities for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Strengthening economic partnership

Beyond disaster response, the discussions covered measures to strengthen bilateral economic ties and initiatives to enhance connectivity for deepening trade, investments and people-to-people exchanges. Both sides emphasised the importance of further strengthening the trade and economic partnership between India and Nepal, the Ministry said.

First official visit

Wagle is on his first official visit to India since assuming office as Nepal's Finance Minister. The Foreign Secretary and the Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs also joined the meeting.

The discussions come against the backdrop of India's continued engagement with Nepal on economic cooperation, connectivity and development assistance.

Source: The Hindu