In the area of river training and e

In the area of river training and embankment construction, Government of India has been providing assistance to Nepal for strengthening and extension of embankments along Lalbakeya, Bagmati and Kamla rivers. Started in 2008, with the present assistance, the total grant assistance already disbursed for embankment construction along these rivers, stands at NRs. 3,284.4 million. Separately, India has committed grant assistance of NRs.226 million for flood protection works along Gagan, Trijuga, Lakhandei, Sunsari, Kankai and Kaligandaki rivers in Nepal. The flood protection works along Trijuga, Kankai and Lakhandei rivers have been already completed. It is being considered to extend this assistance for construction of embankments to other rivers as well.
Power Exchange and Trade:
India and Nepal have a Power Exchange Agreement since 1971 for meeting power requirements in the border areas of the two countries taking advantage of each other's transmission infrastructure. There are more than twenty 132 KV, 33 KV and 11KV transmission interconnections which are used both for power exchange in the bordering areas and power trade. For enhanced transmission of electricity, short term augmentation of the existing grid is completed, for the medium term and long term the new transmission lines projects are being executed. A cooperation agreement in power sector is also being discussed along with the proposal to establish a dedicated bilateral mechanism on Power Sector.
Lines of Credit (LoCs):
Government of India (GoI) has extended two Lines of Credit (LoC) of USD 100 million and USD 250 million, to Government of Nepal (GoN) in the years 2006-2007 and 2011-12 respectively for the infrastructure projects.
Cultural Relations
India and Nepal share traditional cultural bonds and people-to-people relations. Indian culture is popular among all strata of Nepalese society. As part of cultural exchange porgrammes many well-noted artists and troupes visited Nepal.
Conservation of Monuments in Pashupatinath Temple Complex, Kathmandu:
For further strengthening our cordial bilateral relations a proposal is under consideration for conservation of Monuments in Pashupatinath Temple Complex, Kathmandu.
MoU between Nepal Academy of Music and Drama and Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi:
An MOU is under consideration to further enhance mutual understanding and friendly relationship between the academicians, Music writers - directors, Drama writers - directors, Dance directors - dancers, scholars and intellectuals of the two countries through the exchanges of delegations relating to various Musical, Drama, Dance and cultural issues, and translation of subject related publication and literature on a reciprocal basis.
MoU between Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Nepal and Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi.
Another MOU is also under consideration to further enhance mutual understanding and friendly cultural relationship between the Fine Arts, academicians, creative artists, scholars and intellectuals of the two countries through the exchange of delegations relating to various fine arts and cultural issues and art exhibitions and exchange programs on a reciprocal basis
B. P. Koirala India-Nepal Foundation (BPKF)
The B. P. Koirala India - Nepal Foundation (BPKF) was established in December, 1991 through a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Governments of Nepal and India. The objective of BPKF is to foster educational, cultural, scientific and technical cooperation between India and Nepal; and to promote mutual understanding and cooperation through the process of wide sharing of knowledge and professional talents in both academic pursuits and technical specialization. The Foundation extends financial support for higher studies, research and other educational activities and in-service training, visits and exchanges of scholars, writers, politicians, media-persons, administrators, businessmen and other professionals in various fields. BPKF has organized several cultural programmes, seminars, conferences and has also funded translations and publication of books, research etc. The Foundation has been organizing monthly events such as Conversations, Voices, Poemandu and Cinemandu to engage the local intellectual elite since January 2013.
Indian Cultural Centre, Kathmandu
An Indian Cultural Centre was set up in Nepal in August 2007 to showcase the best of Indian culture not only in the capital city but in the areas outside Kathmandu. The Indian Cultural Centre, Kathmandu has generated goodwill through various cultural events it has undertaken in the past.
Nepal-Bharat Library
The Nepal-Bharat Library was founded in 1951 in Kathmandu. It is regarded as the first foreign library in Nepal. Its objective is to enhance and strengthen the cultural relations and information exchange between India and Nepal. It has been one of the biggest and extensively used centres of study and research in Kathmandu. During six decades of existence in the heart of the valley, it has been beneficial to the Nepalese people and scholars from all walks of life.
It houses many books especially on India and Nepal. The subjects include a substantial collection on Indian history, culture, society, literature, philosophy, auto/biography, geography, politics, economy, science and technology, medicine, engineering, mass communication, entertainment, international relations, diplomacy, and so on. It has around 3,474 sq ft and is a Wi-Fi zone. It is equipped with e- Granthalaya - a library automation software, which provides web-interface to publish the library catalog over Internet as well as Intranet. Users can search a desired book and its availability at: www.nblibrary.ddns.net .
Indian Community
It is estimated from interactions with various Indian associations, local immigration and other agencies that the total number of overseas Indians living/domiciled in Nepal is about 6,00,000.
In Nepal the domiciled Indians comprise of persons employed in various institutions, business establishments, trade related activities, blue collar workers, hawkers, laborers, hawkers, self-employed, businessmen/traders, professionals like doctors, engineers, computer professionals etc. A segment of the population is engaged as seasonal migratory laborers in construction sector etc.
Indian Citizens Association of Nepal
The Indian Citizen’s Association of Nepal was formed on 14th September 1990, this is the only association of resident Indian Citizens of Nepal, and presently the Kathmandu unit of the Association has 462 members. They also have branches at Pokhara, Damak and Bhairahawa. The aims and objectives of the association are as under: -
To create and foster a spirit of friendship and understanding between the people of Nepal and resident Indians in Nepal:
To encourage the members to serve both the countries, India and Nepal;
To take an active interest in the cultural and social welfare of the community;
To provide a platform to the members for open discussion on all matters pertaining to the legitimate interest of resident Indians and to work for the protection of such interests, excluding discussions on issues related to partisan politics and sectarian religion;
The association works in consonance with the Embassy of India in Nepal and the Government of Nepal for attaining its objectives.