India and Nepal on Thursday inked eight pacts, including on cooperation in countering drug trafficking.
The pacts were signed after comprehensive talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba on strategic bilateral and regional issues.
"Had a positive meeting reviewing the gamut of our partnership," Modi said at a joint press event with Deuba and assured him of India's commitment towards overall growth and development of the Himalayan nation. Deuba said Nepal would "never allow any anti-India activities from its soil".
The two leaders also jointly inaugurated the Kataiya-Kusaha and Raxaul-Parwanipur cross border power transmission lines.
Earlier, Deuba was accorded a ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he is staying as a state guest.
Deuba arrived in India on Wednesday for a five-day state visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Leading a 59-member delegation, this is Deuba’s first official trip abroad. His delegation comprises four ministers, 12 lawmakers from various political parties and nine secretaries. A separate business delegation is also accompanying him.
Deuba's wife Dr Arzu Rana Deuba, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Finance Minister Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, Tourism Minister Jitendra Dev and Commerce Minister Meen Bishwakarma are also in the delegation.
Deuba took over from Prachanda as the prime minister of Nepal in a power-sharing deal in June.
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