Kathmandu, Jan. 20: India on Tuesday handed over the first tranche of election-related assistance to Nepal at a ceremony ahead of the national polls scheduled for March. According to a release issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, the ceremony was organised at Nepal's Ministry of Home Affairs, and the tranche of election-related assistance was handed over to Nepal's Minister for Home Affairs, Om Prakash Aryal.

Charge d'Affaires of the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, Rakesh Pandey, handed over the trance which consisted of more than 60 double-cab pickup vehicles along with other supplies. "The Charge d'Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of India, Kathmandu, Dr. Rakesh Pandey, handed over more than 60 double-cab pickup vehicles and other supplies, that are a part of the assistance sought by the Government of Nepal, in connection with preparations for the upcoming elections in the country," the release stated.

Home Minister, Om Prakash Aryal thanked the Government and people of India for the gifted vehicles and supplies. He also appreciated the deep and comprehensive nature of ties between India and Nepal. 

Based on requests by the Government of Nepal, India has been providing election-related support to Nepal since 2008. This includes about 2,400 vehicles that have been gifted by the Government of India for various ministries and departments in Nepal including the Election Commission. For the upcoming elections, the assistance provided by India includes about 650 vehicles, which will continue to be delivered in separate batches, over the next few weeks.

The ongoing cooperation and support from the Indian side is not only an apt reflection of the multi-faceted and multi-sectoral development partnership that exists between both countries, but also symbolizes the deep mutual trust and friendship between the people of India and Nepal.