Seminar in Patna on “emerging trends in India-Nepal relations”
	15:34 IST

Public Diplomacy Division, Ministry of External Affairs, in association with the State Government of Bihar, is organising a two-day seminar on “Emerging Trends in India-Nepal Relations” at Hotel Chanakya, Patna on 26-27 April 2008. Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is to inaugurate the seminar at 9.30 a.m. on 26 April 2008. Smt. Hisila Yami, Minister for Physical Planning and Works (Nepal) will lead a 45 member Nepalese delegation for participation in this seminar. The seminar will see the participation of a large number of academicians, think tanks, representatives of industry, intelligentsia, journalists, civil society and senior officials from Bihar and other parts of India. The agenda of the seminar include presentations on “Political Dimensions of Indo-Nepal Relations” and “Trade and Investment Relations” on 26th April 2008. In the evening, a cultural programme will be presented by the State Government of Bihar. The topic to be covered on 27th April is “Cross-border linkages through Media and Culture” and will be followed by the screening of Nepali Documentary ‘Team Nepal and a Luncheon Presentation on Border Infrastructure. The valedictory session of the seminar at 2.00 pm will be addressed by Minister of State for Commerce and for Power, Dr. Jairam Ramesh.. The organization of this seminar highlights the importance India attaches to its relations with the neighbouring countries. The objective behind the seminar is to discuss key aspects of our bilateral relations. The seminar would cover the broad canvas of political and cultural linkages, trade and economic cooperation, border security and its management, cooperation in the hydroelectric sector, sharing of common river waters and problems of floods. Ever since its creation in April 2006, the Public Diplomacy Division of MEA has been in contact with researchers, think tanks, academia, civil society and industry, both within India and abroad, to highlight the contours of Indian foreign policy, as well as initiate debate and discussions within the wider public about the key foreign policy issues confronting India. It is in furtherance of these objectives that the Public Diplomacy Division is organising this seminar to get a Bihar-centric view on the opportunities with regard to the issues being discussed in the seminar. Eminent persons with expertise in above issues have been invited to share their views and insights. Civil society and media persons will be invited to attend the seminar. AB/GK