In a significant boost to Nepal’s electoral preparations, the Government of India officially handed over the first tranche of election-related assistance to the Government of Nepal during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday.
The assistance, which includes more than 60 double-cab pickup vehicles and various logistics supplies, was presented by Dr Rakesh Pandey, Charge d’Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of India, to Nepal’s Minister for Home Affairs, Om Prakash Aryal.
The handover marks the beginning of a larger support package requested by the Nepal government for the upcoming national elections. According to the Embassy of India, a total of approximately 650 vehicles will be provided in separate batches over the coming weeks to facilitate polling logistics and security.
Accepting the assistance, Home Minister Aryal expressed his gratitude toward the government and people of India. He emphasized that the gesture reflects the "deep and comprehensive nature" of the bilateral ties between the two neighboring nations.
The Indian Embassy described the ongoing cooperation as an "apt reflection of the multi-faceted development partnership" and a symbol of the "deep mutual trust and friendship" shared between the two countries.
The delivery of the remaining vehicle batches is expected to be completed within the next month, ensuring the Nepal Government is well-equipped for the electoral cycle.
India has been providing consistent election-related support since 2008. To date, approximately 2,400 vehicles have been gifted to various Nepali ministries, departments, and the Election Commission.
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