Did India Just Deliver 250 Vehicles to Nepal for Election Support?
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Kathmandu, Jan 29 (NationPress) On Thursday, India transferred over 250 vehicles to Nepal as part of its electoral assistance, coinciding with the Himalayan nation's preparations for parliamentary elections slated for March 5. This represents the second installment of support, following the delivery of more than 60 double-cab pickup trucks and various supplies on January 20.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu reported that the Government of India plans to supply around 650 vehicles for the impending elections, which will be dispatched in distinct batches over the next few weeks.
During a ceremony held at the Ministry of Finance, the Embassy’s Charge d’Affaires, Rakesh Pandey, presented the vehicles to the Government of Nepal, with Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal in attendance. This assistance is part of the support requested by the Nepali government for the upcoming elections.
Finance Minister Khanal expressed gratitude for India's aid, emphasizing its crucial role in facilitating the success of Nepal’s democratic process. He noted, “If the Nepal government had to procure these materials independently, it would incur significant expenses at a time when the country is grappling with resource shortages.” He added, “India has consistently been the first responder whenever Nepal has encountered crises, be it during the catastrophic earthquake in 2015 or now, just before the elections.”
Khanal praised India as a reliable development partner and expressed appreciation for the ongoing support, which is vital for the electoral preparations. Since 2008, India has been extending election-related assistance to Nepal, following the first Constituent Assembly elections.
Given that numerous government-owned vehicles were rendered unusable during the Gen-Z protests in September of last year, the provision of vehicles from the Indian government is anticipated to alleviate logistical challenges faced by the Nepali authorities.
A committee established by the government to evaluate the damages from the protests reported that approximately 8,430 government-owned vehicles sustained damage.
The embassy remarked, “The continual collaboration and support from India not only exemplifies the multifaceted and multisectoral development partnership between our nations but also reflects the profound mutual trust and friendship shared by the people of India and Nepal.”