Nepal and India held the 9th meeting of the Oversight Mechanism (OSM) in Kathmandu on Monday with Vinay Mohan Kwatra, Ambassador of India to Nepal, and Bharat Raj Paudyal, Nepal’s Foreign Secretary, as co-chairs.
The OSM Mechanism was set up in 2016 to monitor the progress of various India-assisted projects and initiatives.
The meeting carried out a comprehensive review of bilateral cooperation projects since its 8th meeting held on 17 August, 2020. Both sides deliberated on the issues at length and agreed to expedite the implementation of such projects.
The co-chairs noted the progress made in various development projects in the last one year despite the constraints of the COVID-pandemic, which showcased the strength and resolve bilateral partnership and the proactive support and facilitation extended by both sides, read a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting recognized progress in reconstruction of houses in Gorkha and Nuwakot which is almost nearing completion, completion of 13 road packages in Tarai area of Nepal, satisfactory progress in Arun-III project as well in most of the road and transmission line projects under Government of India’s Lines of Credit and commencement of construction of Integrated Check Post at Nepalgunj.
It was agreed to follow-up on the decisions of OSM through regular co-ordination to support project implementation and resolve ground-level issues.
Both Chairs also noted with appreciation COVID-19 related cooperation, including supply of medicines, medical equipment, beds, ICU, ventilators, and vaccines to Nepal by India.
The meeting was attended by representatives of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government of Nepal, Officers of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Consultants, Contractors and other stakeholders engaged in implementation of the projects.
