The Akhand Bharat mural in the newly inaugurated Parliament building in New Delhi is the perfect representation of the bond between neighbouring countries India and Nepal.
The border disputes have been a sore point in Nepal-India relations for decades. The control of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura by India has been a source of contention, leading to strained relations between the two countries. It is imperative that both sides approach these disputes with sincerity and a genuine desire to find a mutually acceptable solution. These disputes, including that of the Susta area in Nawalparasi, are not merely territorial issues; they represent the aspirations and national identity of the Nepali people. They must be addressed in a manner that respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nepal.
Dahal will be heading a 88-member delegation, half a dozen of them federal ministers, and a huge business delegation, indicating that the two sides will hold wider discussions on multi-sectoral cooperation, mainly on power trade, road connectivity and new energy projects.
If what Dahal said in Parliament is all that is on the bilateral agenda, the visit seems to be largely about economic issues, with additional minor agreements and MoUs.
Dahal, who will be here at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will be accompanied by a high-level delegation.
During the visit, the Nepal prime minister will call on President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar.