India and Nepal signed two Memorandum of understanding on Goitre control in Nepal and cooperation between Nepal Television (NTV) and Doordarshan (DD) as well as an Exchange of Letters on the Terms of Reference (ToR) for Pancheshwor Development Authority.

These agreements were signed in the presence of the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of Nepal Sushil Koirala.

Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Nepal and Narayan Gopal Malego, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Supplies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Goitre and exchanged the ToR of Pancheshwor with secretary of Ministry of Energy.

Under Iodine Deficiency Disorders Control Program in, India will provide Indian assistance of NRs. 69 million during the year 2014-15.

Iodine Deficiency Disorders (IDD) is a major micronutrient deficiency in Nepal. IDD is the most common preventable cause of brain damage worldwide. Globally, around 1.88 billion people are at risk of IDD. Government of India has been associated with the Goitre Control Program in Nepal since 1973 and has provided assistance of NRs. 686 million for the Goiter Control Program in Nepal. The rate of Goiter in Nepal has decreased from 55% in 1965 to 0.4% in 2007. The striking success of the program in eradication of visible goiter in Nepal and in change of salt consumption habits amongst people has encouraged Government of India to continue its grant assistance. The program will benefit the people of all the 75 districts in Nepal. This is another landmark in the close and continuous cooperation between two countries.

According to a press release of Indian Embassy, recognizing the importance of accelerating growth in Nepal, India remains committed to rendering all possible assistance in that direction. The India – Nepal Economic Program has an outlay of over NRs. 65 billion with more than 490 large and small development projects completed or currently being implemented in almost all the districts of Nepal. These development projects mainly in the sectors of education, health and infrastructure development have been undertaken in response to local needs, and in partnership with the Government of Nepal.