India and Nepal held the 8th meeting of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) through Digital Video Conferencing

On 17th August 2020, India and Nepal held the 8th meeting of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) through Digital Video Conferencing. The meeting was Co-chaired by H. E. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to Nepal and H.E. Shanker Das Bairagi, Foreign Secretary, Government of Nepal.

2. The meeting Mechanism, set up in 2016, to monitor the progress of various India assisted projects was attended by representatives of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government of Nepal, Officers of the Embassy of India, Consultants and Contractors engaged in implementation of the projects.

3. The meeting carried out a comprehensive review of bilateral economic and development cooperation projects since its 7th meeting held on 8th July 2019. Both sides deliberated on the issues and agreed to expedite their implementations.

4. The Co-chairs noted the progress made in the development projects in the last one year, including reconstruction of 46,301 earthquake affected houses (out of 50,000 houses committed by India) in Gorkha and Nuwakot districts, the operationalization of Motihari-Amlekhgunj cross-border petroleum products pipeline, the Integrated Check Post at Biratnagar and the High Impact Community Development Projects. Nepal also noted with appreciation COVID19 related assistance, including the supply of medicines and medical equipment to Nepal by India.

5. Both sides have agreed to hold the next meeting of the Oversight Mechanism on a mutually convenient date to review the progress made in the implementation of the Government of India assisted economic and development cooperation projects in Nepal.

Kathmandu
17th August 2020