PM Narendra Modi, Nepal PM Deuba Hold Unscheduled Meeting Ahead Of Bilateral Talks

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday received his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba at his residence, soon after his arrival in New Delhi on a four-day visit that marks his first trip abroad since assuming office in June.

Official sources said it was an unscheduled meeting between the two leaders who will hold detailed talks on Thursday. "Happy to welcome Rt Hon Shri Sher Bahadur Deuba ji, PM of close & friendly neighbour Nepal. Look forward to more extensive talks tomorrow," PM Modi tweeted on Wednesday along with a photograph of the two.

The two prime ministers will review the entire gamut of bilateral ties in their meeting and discuss ways to further deepen the special relationship in a range of areas including trade and investment.

The political situation in Nepal is expected to figure prominently in the talks, particularly in the context of steps being taken by Deuba's government to fulfil aspirations of the Indian-origin Madheshi community.

"The upcoming visit will provide an opportunity to both the sides for holding wide-ranging discussions on the issues of mutual interest and advancing age-old special ties of friendship between our two countries," the External Affairs Ministry had said on Monday.

Ever since Nepal adopted a new Constitution in September 2015, Madhesis, mostly of Indian origin, have been opposing the new statute as they fear it would marginalise them by dividing the country into seven provinces.

Madhesi protests from October 2015 to February 2016 had resulted in the closure of key trading points with India, triggering shortage of essential supplies in the land-locked country.

The blockade of trade points with India ended in February after more than 50 people were killed in clashes with the police.