India and Nepal
India has expressed its objection to the problems being faced by its milk exporters in Nepal. Following this, the neighboring country has agreed to explore the possibility of facilitating the import of specific products like whey and cheese. This information was given in an official statement on Sunday. The issue came up for discussion during the India-Nepal Inter-Governmental Committee (IGC) meeting on trade, transit and cooperation to combat unauthorized trade held in Kathmandu on January 10-11. The Commerce Ministry said the Indian side highlighted the problems faced by Nepal in milk exports. The Nepalese side agreed to positively consider the request of the Indian side for milk products such as whey and cheese which are not produced there in sufficient quantity.
These issues were also discussed in both the countries
Both sides also discussed the review of the transit treaty and trade treaty and proposed amendments to existing agreements, harmonization of standards and development of trade infrastructure including electrification of the Raxaul-Birganj rail line. It said the discussions included issues related to mutual market access, intellectual property rights (IPR) and customs duties. Further, the ministry said that on Nepal’s request, India agreed to impose maximum axle load limit for Nepalese freight vehicles in transit via Phulbari (India) via Kakarbhitta (Nepal) Banglabandha (Bangladesh) route. As per Indian Road Transport Rules, the axle load limit will be 18.5 tonnes for two-axle vehicles and 28 tonnes for three-axle vehicles.
The Indian delegation was led by Sunil Barthwal.
India also informed Nepal that sal seeds and chayote have been included in its ‘Plant Quarantine Order’. Additionally, Nepal’s request to include Jatamasi root extract, Sugandhokila berry extract, Sugandhwal rhizome extract and Timur berry extract in India’s list of processed plant products has been accepted. Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal led the Indian delegation and the Nepali side was led by Govind Bahadur Karki, Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Commerce and Supplies.
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