In a significant gesture of bilateral support, India handed over more than 250 vehicles to Nepal on Thursday as part of election assistance ahead of the Himalayan nation’s parliamentary polls scheduled for March 5. This delivery marks the second batch of aid, following an earlier consignment of over 60 double-cab pickup vehicles and additional materials provided on January 20.
The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu announced that the government of India will supply a total of approximately 650 vehicles in the coming weeks, delivered in phases to bolster Nepal’s electoral logistics. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Finance, where India’s Charge d’Affaires Rakesh Pandey formally presented the vehicles to Nepalese officials. Nepal’s Finance Minister Rameshwar Prasad Khanal attended the event, lauding the timely assistance.
Khanal emphasized that procuring these vehicles independently would have strained Nepal’s limited resources amid ongoing fiscal challenges. He highlighted India’s consistent role as a first responder, from the 2015 devastating earthquake to current election preparations. ‘This support will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our democratic process,’ Khanal stated, expressing gratitude to India as a reliable development partner.
India has been extending electoral aid to Nepal since 2008, starting with the first Constituent Assembly elections. The recent aid comes at a critical juncture, as hundreds of government vehicles were damaged during September’s Jan-ji protests. A government committee reported 8,430 vehicles affected, underscoring the logistical relief these new vehicles provide.
The Indian Embassy described the ongoing cooperation as a reflection of the multifaceted development partnership and deep mutual trust between the peoples of both nations. This assistance not only strengthens Nepal’s election machinery but also reinforces the enduring friendship between the two neighbors sharing deep historical and cultural ties.