PM’s Nepal trip: It’s Hindi, Hindi…. all the way

Kathmandu, Aug 3 :

Hindi was the lingua franca as Narendra Modi became the first Indian prime minister to visit Nepal in 17 years, holding talks and addressing MPs in that language.

“Hindi was used in all conversations between Indian and Nepalese leaders including bilateral talks,” Foreign Minister Mahendra Pandey told IANS.

Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sushil Koirala conversed in Hindi during their one-on-one, soon after the Indian prime minister’s arrival here.

Modi began his address in Nepali

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won the hearts of millions in Nepal Sunday when he began his address to parliament in Nepali, describing himself as “a good friend of Nepal”.

Taking most people by surprise over his choice of language, Modi told the country’s parliament that he was very happy to be in Nepal.

“Years back, I came here for pilgrimage. There is a popular saying that once you visit Nepal, your entire life will be changed,” Modi said, as MPs clapped.

“I am coming back here as a good friend of Nepal, to this beautiful country,” he said, adding it was fortunate he was now in Kathmandu in the capacity of India’s prime minister.

“As soon as I entered the Prime Minister’s Office, I made up my mind to give Nepal the highest priority. That is why I am here. I really thank you for inviting me,” he said, drawing more applause.

The Indian leader gave the rest of his speech in Hindi, a language widely understood and spoken in Nepal.

(IANS)