Kathmandu – Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives, Dol Prasad (DP) Aryal, held a courtesy meeting with Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava on Thursday, discussing Nepal–India bilateral relations, parliamentary diplomacy, and avenues for strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.
During the meeting, Speaker Aryal noted that Nepal’s government, formed through the people’s mandate, had recently completed its first 100 days in office.

He also expressed gratitude to the Government of India for its logistical support during Nepal’s recent elections.
Highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two neighbouring countries, Aryal said Nepal–India relations are founded on shared civilisation, geographical proximity, and enduring cultural bonds.

He observed that bilateral cooperation has continued to expand in areas including trade, security, civil aviation, water resources, and connectivity. Expressing optimism about the future, he said the expansion of air, rail, and cross-border bus services would further strengthen people-to-people ties and enhance regional connectivity, while expressing hope for additional air routes and transport links in the years ahead.

Speaker Aryal also revealed that he had extended an invitation to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to visit Nepal, stating that the country would be ready to welcome him at a mutually convenient time. Describing the Indian Parliament as an important institution in safeguarding democratic values and parliamentary traditions, he said Nepal was keen to learn from India’s experience in digital parliamentary governance, including paperless legislative procedures and the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA).

He further informed the Ambassador that the Nepal–India Parliamentary Friendship Group had been formed under the leadership of MP Bipin Acharya, expressing confidence that the initiative would provide fresh momentum to parliamentary engagement between the two countries.

Emphasising the significance of parliamentary diplomacy, Aryal said regular interaction between lawmakers helps promote mutual understanding, exchange legislative experience, and reinforce respect for shared priorities. He also acknowledged India’s continued support for Nepal’s development efforts and stressed the importance of closer cooperation to advance peace, prosperity, and sustainable development in the region.

Responding to the Speaker’s remarks, Ambassador Srivastava said that Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is keen to visit Nepal. He also invited Speaker Aryal and Nepali parliamentarians to visit India to observe its parliamentary practices and institutional reforms.

The Ambassador expressed confidence that parliamentary diplomacy and high-level political dialogue would elevate Nepal–India relations to new heights. Reaffirming India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, he said New Delhi remains dedicated to expanding collaboration in trade, connectivity, energy, education, and people-to-people relations.