India News

PM Modi meets Nepalese counterpart K. P. Oli

Published

8 years ago

April 7, 2018

PM Modi meets Nepalese counterpart O.P. Oli

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with his Nepalese counterpart Khadga Prasad Oli on Saturday and discussed the possibilities of expansion of bilateral ties in several areas including developmental cooperation, trade and investment, agriculture, energy, infrastructure and connectivity and the people to people contacts.

Ministry of External Affairs tweeted saying, “Strengthening the special and people-centric partnership based on historical and cultural context, PM Narendra Modi warmly welcomes Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli at Hyderabad House for delegation level talks continuing the long-standing tradition of high-level visits.”[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Both the Prime Ministers addressed a joint press conference after the delegation level talks. According to The Himalayan Times, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Nepal for entering a golden era and said that the political development in Nepal is a matter of joy for India as well.

He said that there has been historical involvement of India in Nepal’s development and India will continue its support in the future as well for the economic development and prosperity of Nepal.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]Nepal’s PM K. P. Oli said “Prosperity is our common goal. Prime Minister Modi and I had very constructive meeting”. He said that Nepal attaches great importance to its relation with India and as close neighbours the two countries share a common destiny. He said that he had constructive deliberations on specific agendas or bilateral importance with Pm Modi.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text]The visiting dignitary congratulated PM Modi on the progress made by India in the last two decades, and further mentioned that Nepal sees this as an opportunity for development.

The Kathmandu based The Himalayan Times reports said that PM Oli stressed the issues of hydropower development, water resources, improving cross border infrastructure including railways and connectivity through river navigation (connected with waterways). On this issue, PM Modi had also said that now the two countries would not just be land-linked but water linked as well.

Meanwhile, prior to the joint press conference, the leaders of the two countries had remotely inaugurated the Birgunj-based Integrated Check Point (ICP).

Nepal’s PM is on a three-day visit on the invitation of PM Narendra Modi. He is accompanied with his wife Radhika Shakya.

Besides official engagements in New Delhi, Nepal’s Prime Minister will be visiting G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in Pantnagar, Uttarakhand on Sunday.

Oli arrived on Friday and held meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He was received by Home Minister Rajnath Singh at the airport.

Nepal’s PM was ceremonially welcomed at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday morning. The visiting dignitary, while talking to the media persons said, “Friendship is most important and there is no comparison with friendship. Any treaty any agreement, everything starts with friendship. With our neighbours, particularly with India, we first expect friendship.”

Meanwhile, Nepalese Prime Minister, responded cautiously on his country’s relations with India and China and maintained neutrality on China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

He said, “I think we are neutral. Geographically, we are in [the] centre between two countries. We have two friendly neighbours and have a very friendly relationship with both of them. They are more developed and more advanced than us. Also, they are bigger in size and population as well. So, we want to take the opportunity to walk together with both of our neighbours. A feeling of understanding, cooperation and mutual trust is necessary.”
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj called on him before the two Prime Ministers held delegation level meeting at Hyderabad House. Later in the day Home Minister Rajnath Singh is also scheduled to call on him at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The visiting dignitary met President Ram Nath Kovind after the ceremonial welcome. He will also meet Vice President Venkaiya Naidu in the evening.

Modi had yesterday met the Nepalese prime minister at the Prime Minister’s official residence here.

India and Nepal ties were at odds last year when Indian origin Madhesi population were running a campaign for their rights. Kathmandu was alleging New Delhi for interfering in its internal affairs. Supplies from India were disrupted due to protests and political instability.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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PM Modi-Xi meeting: Xi says India, China can learn from each other’s strengths

PM Modi and Xi Jinping held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, with discussions focused on border peace, bilateral relations and cooperation.

Published

10 hours ago

September 12, 2026

APNLive Desk

Chinese President Xi Jinping said India and China can learn from each other’s strengths and support one another as he held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Saturday.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit 2026 during Xi’s two-day visit to India. It was his first visit to the country in seven years. The discussions covered bilateral relations, border issues, trade and investment.

PM Modi stresses importance of border peace

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised that peace and tranquillity in the border areas are essential for the continued development of India-China relations.

He also underlined the need for both countries to follow existing agreements and understandings related to border issues. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing a fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary question while keeping the long-term interests of both countries in mind.

The two sides also noted steady progress in bilateral relations since Modi and Xi last met in Tianjin in August 2025.

Modi stressed that differences between India and China should not turn into disputes. He said the relationship should be guided by three principles — mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.

Xi calls for long-term India-China ties

During the meeting, Xi Jinping said China has consistently viewed its relationship with India from a strategic and long-term perspective.

He recalled that he and Modi have met 21 times over the years and said these meetings had helped guide India-China relations towards steady development.

Xi said that despite differences in their national conditions, India and China could learn from each other’s strengths, support one another and pursue common development.

He also highlighted the responsibilities of India and China as two of the world’s most populous countries and important members of the Global South.

Both sides review bilateral relations

The two leaders carried out a comprehensive review of India-China relations and discussed measures to expand engagement.

The talks also highlighted the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and continuing cooperation based on mutual respect, mutual sensitivity and mutual interest.

After the meeting, Modi said the two sides had reviewed the full range of India-China relations. He also conveyed India’s best wishes to China ahead of its BRICS presidency next year.

India News

Bank holiday on September 14: Banks closed in these cities

Banks will remain closed on September 14 in nine cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, due to Ganesh Chaturthi and related festival observances.

Published

21 hours ago

September 12, 2026

APNLive Desk

The bank holiday on September 14 will affect branches in select cities across India as banks observe a regional holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi and related festival observances.

September 14, 2026, falls on a Monday and is listed as a holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Puja, Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata, Vinayakar Chathurthi and Hartalika in certain banking centres.

Bank holiday on September 14: Full city-wise list

According to the holiday listings, bank branches will remain closed on September 14 in the following centres:

City	Festival/occasion
Belapur	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Bengaluru	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Bhubaneswar	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Chennai	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Hyderabad	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Mumbai	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Nagpur	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Panaji	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances
Vijayawada	Ganesh Chaturthi/Ganesh Puja/related observances

The holiday is therefore not applicable to bank branches across the entire country. Bank holidays in India vary by state and banking centre, depending on local festivals and occasions.

Why are banks closed on September 14?

September 14 marks Ganesh Chaturthi in 2026. The festival falls on Monday this year, with the date confirmed as September 14.

The banking holiday calendar uses different names for the observance across centres, including Ganesh Chaturthi, Ganesh Puja, Varasiddhi Vinayaka Vrata, Vinayakar Chathurthi and Hartalika.

The National Stock Exchange’s 2026 holiday circular also lists September 14 as a trading holiday for Ganesh Chaturthi.

Will online banking services work on September 14?

The closure applies to physical bank branches in the affected centres. Customers can generally continue to use digital banking channels such as mobile banking, internet banking and UPI, although specific services can depend on the bank.

Customers who need to visit a branch for cash deposits, withdrawals, account-related work or other in-person services should check the holiday status of their particular branch before visiting.

What about banks in other cities?

Banks in cities that are not covered by the September 14 regional holiday are not automatically closed because of Ganesh Chaturthi.

The bank holiday calendar is centre-specific, so customers should check their bank’s branch holiday schedule before planning a branch visit.

India News

Harish Rawat quits Congress posts after ED raid on aide

Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat resigned from two Congress posts after the ED searched his aide Chandan Singh Jeena’s premises in a money laundering probe.

Published

22 hours ago

September 12, 2026

APNLive Desk

Former Uttarakhand chief minister Harish Rawat has resigned from two organisational positions in the Congress after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted searches at the premises of his personal assistant, Chandan Singh Jeena.

Rawat announced his decision on Friday, saying he did not want the controversy surrounding his close associate to weaken the Congress’s campaign against corruption. He stepped down as a member of the Uttarakhand Pradesh Congress Committee executive and as a permanent invitee to the Congress Working Committee.

The ED searches were linked to a money laundering investigation concerning alleged irregularities in the 2016 Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari examination conducted by the Uttarakhand Subordinate Service Selection Commission (UKSSSC).

What ED recovered from Rawat’s aide

The ED carried out searches at multiple locations in Dehradun, including premises connected with former UKSSSC officials, a private computer agency involved in processing OMR sheets and alleged middlemen.

According to the agency, its search of Jeena’s residence resulted in the seizure of Rs 32 lakh in unaccounted cash, gold coins and chains weighing around 200.5 grams, and 12 luxury watches.

The gold comprised 13 coins and seven chains. The watches included brands such as Rolex, Rado, Piaget, Movado, Tissot and Casio Edifice, according to the ED.

The agency also said bank accounts belonging to Jeena and his family members containing Rs 52.16 lakh were frozen. His mobile phone was seized for forensic examination.

The ED alleged that Jeena had made substantial cash expenditures for which no legitimate source of income could be established. It also said unaccounted cash, jewellery and other valuables were recovered from some former UKSSSC officials and associated individuals.

What is the UKSSSC exam case?

The ED’s money laundering investigation stems from four FIRs registered by the Uttarakhand Police and Vigilance Bureau over alleged irregularities in the 2016 Gram Panchayat Vikas Adhikari examination.

According to the agency, OMR answer sheets were allegedly removed from secure custody and taken to the residence of the commission’s then secretary. Roll numbers of under-filled answer sheets were recorded and passed to personnel of a private computer agency.

The ED has alleged that answer bubbles were subsequently filled or altered fraudulently before the sheets were resealed, with illegal payments allegedly routed through middlemen.

Jeena is currently serving as Rawat’s personal assistant. He had earlier served as Rawat’s officer on special duty when Rawat was Uttarakhand chief minister between 2014 and 2017.

What Harish Rawat said

Reacting to the allegations, Rawat said he found it difficult to believe that Jeena had been involved in wrongdoing. He acknowledged Jeena’s association with him and said the truth behind the allegations would emerge with time.

Rawat said that if evidence showed Jeena had tampered with OMR sheets in the recruitment examination, he would be ashamed of such conduct, while adding that he did not believe the allegation.

Explaining his resignation, Rawat said Uttarakhand politics was entering an election phase and that attempts were being made to create a narrative against him.

He said Congress and its workers were fighting corruption and that he did not want any action associated with him to weaken the party’s campaign. Since he did not hold a government position from which he could resign, he chose to step down from his organisational responsibilities in the party.