New Delhi: In the wake of China rapidly increasing its influence in Nepal and the formidable Chinese reputation of executing infrastructure projects in other countries at break-neck speed, New Delhi seems keen to demonstrate that it too can be equally swift and decisive. It is towards this end that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will begin a two-day visit to Nepal from Friday —- the third to the Himalayan neighbour in his current tenure —- and meet his Nepalese counterpart K.P. Sharma Oli, with New Delhi working swiftly to accelerate the pace of its joint connectivity initiatives in Nepal. The two prime ministers will be jointly inaugurating the Arun-III hydroelectric project in Nepal for generation of 900 megawatts of electricity. As part of the new “game-changer” initiatives in the field of connectivity — including a proposed new electrified railway line with Indian financial support that will connect Raxaul in Bihar with the Nepalese Capital Kathmandu — that had been decided by the two countries when Mr. Oli had visited New Delhi about a month ago, sources said India has already identified the “Indian entity” that will carry out a survey for the project. India is hoping to ink an MoU with the Nepalese side on this so that the survey can begin. New Delhi wants the survey to be completed by the end of this year or early next year.

PM Modi will also meet leaders of Nepalese political parties including two Madhesi parties. It may be recalled that the Madhesi issue had in 2015 caused a rift between the two countries but the two countries are now looking ahead to strengthen bilateral ties. Two Madhesi political parties have also formed a government in one of the Nepalese provinces and New Delhi is looking at the development in a positive light. In what will also symbolise the shared Indo-Nepalese cultural heritage, PM Modi is also expected to visit temples at both Janakpur and Muktinath in Nepal during his visit.

Nepalese PM Oli is likely to receive PM Modi when he lands at Janakpur by helicopter at the beginning of his visit on May 11.