Nepal tops India's Neighbourhood First policy, says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday assured Nepal that it was at the top of India's Neighbourhood First policy and announced a Rs 100 crore package to develop Janakpur-the sacred city for Hindus.

Invoking mythological links between the countries in his address at a civic reception by the Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City at Barhabigha ground in Nepal, Modi said he had come to Janakpur not as the prime minister but as the chief pilgrim, amid applause.

Modi is on his third visit to Nepal since assuming office in 2014.

Attempting to strike a right spiritual chord, Modi read out a verse from Ramcharitmanas which says 'one cannot remain isolated from the suffering of a friend and a true friend always helps his friend in the time of suffering.'

"Whenever there has been a problem, India and Nepal have stood together. We have been there for each other in the most difficult of times," Modi said.

Assuring Nepal that it is at the top of India's Neighbourhood First policy, Modi then announced a Rs.100 crore package for the development of Janakpur and its surrounding areas. The amount will be spent on different development projects forging collaboration between the central government and the local government of Province No.2.

Janakpur is known as the birthplace of Sita, the wife of Lord Rama.

Earlier in the day, Modi together with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli inaugurated a direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya - the two sacred cities for Hindus and said he was happy to link Janakpur with the Ramayan Circuit.

"This circuit will develop religious tourism. It also will strengthen connectivity between the two nations," he said.

Modi said the two other circuits will also be developed for the promotion of the areas related to Buddhism and Jain religion in both Nepal and India. The circuits will be instrumental in generating employment for the youths, he said.

Modi also said that Nepal and India can benefit if they cooperate and work together for the promotion of five Ts: Tradition, Trade, Tourism, Technology and Transport. He underlined the need for linking Nepal and India through highway, I- way or Information, Railway, Trans way or electric connectivity, waterway and airway.

"Better connectivity leads to enhanced India-Nepal friendship. That is why topmost priority is being given to boosting connectivity.

"We are also trying our best to connect Nepal with waterways so that Nepal will be able to export Nepali goods abroad. If done so Nepal will be able to reap benefits through international trade," Modi said.

He said his long-cherished dream to visit Janakpur has now been fulfilled with the grace of Goddess Sita.

Modi, who earlier offered special prayers at the 20th century Janaki temple, invoked mythological King Janak of Mithila and King Dashratha of Ayodhya and said they not only united Janakpur and Ayodhya but also united India and Nepal.

"Nepal and India relations were started during the rule of King Janak in Treta Yuga and the bondage built by Sita during the period is still strong. It is this bondage which attracts people from Rameswaram to Pashupatinath, people from Lumbini to Bodhgaya and I was also attracted with the same bondage," he said.

He said Nepal and India not only share border, aspirations, dreams and destination, but their happiness and challenge are also same.

"Nepal is the land of great sages like Yagyavalkya, Astavakra, Gargi, who used to debate on theology and social issues in the palace of King Janak," he said, adding that Nepal has become the centre of spiritualism and philosophy.

Janakpur is the land from where the message of women empowerment reverberates, Modi said, adding that this is also the land which Raja Janak served with utmost devotion and compassion.

Modi also hailed the three successful polls in Nepal after the promulgation of the new Constitution in 2015, and said the strides Nepal has made in strengthening its democratic fabric are commendable.

Modi said India will build a railway link between Raxaul in Bihar and Kathmandu to facilitate people-to-people contact and movement of goods.

Defence Minister Ishwor Pokharel welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the function. Modi was wearing a Maithili kurta gifted by Prime Minister Oli.

"Nepal and India are tied together by common culture, civilization and history," Pokharel said.

He expressed the confidence that the people to people relations between the two countries are being nurtured on the basis of brotherhood and equality.

Mayor of Janakpur Sub-metropolitan City Lal Kishro Shah read out felicitation letter in honour of Modi. He also handed over the symbolic key of Janakpur to Modi and gifted the picture of Janaki Temple as a token of love to him.

Chief Minister of Province No. 2 Lal Babu Raut offered a huge garland weighing 121 kg to Modi on the occasion.

Welcoming Modi, Chief Minister Raut said the "open borders between Nepal and India have been instrumental in connecting the peoples of the two countries."

(With PTI inputs)