New Delhi, April 2 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stressed on the age-old civilizational links binding India and Nepal as he said that both sides have agreed to enhance cooperation in the hydropower sector, including India purchasing power from Nepal, during talks with visiting Nepalese PM Sher Bahadur Deuba here. Prime Minister Modi also stressed on the need to establish more cross-border links, including people to people and financial connectivity ties, as the two prime ministers jointly flagged off the Jayanagar-Kurtha rail link and the 90 km Solu Corridor transmission line – both built with Indian assistance, and the launch of the RuPay card in Nepal. Stressing on the Hindu links between India and Nepal, PM Modi conveyed greetings on the occasion of the Hindu New Year and also of the Chaitra Navratri to the visiting Nepal PM and to the people of Nepal. He described Deuba as an old friend of India who has contributed majorly to the building of the bilateral relationship. Highlighting the age-old civilizational and cultural ties between the two neighbours, Modi said their bilateral friendship and ancient linkages is something not seen in any part of the world. “Such an example of our friendship and civilizational links cannot be seen in the world. We’ve been partners through our good times and sorrowful times. These provide energy to our ties and our efforts to enhance bilateral ties are inspired by these feelings.” “India has been and will remain Nepal’s steadfast friend in its path to peace, progress and economic prosperity,” he added, He said the two sides have agreed to participate more in Nepal’s hydropower sector. “Our joint vision statement on power cooperation will form the blueprint of our future cooperation. We have decided to push ahead with the Pancheshwar project, which will prove a game changer for the region. We have also agreed on increased participation by Indian companies in Nepal’s hydropower development projects,” he added. “It is a matter of happiness that Nepal is going to sell its surplus power to India. This will contribute to Nepal’s economic progress.” He said the launching of the Jaynagar-Kurtha rail line is the beginning of more cross-border links. The RuPay card, the cross-border rail line, the Nepal police academy, the Ramayan circuit will bring the two nations closer together. “We also discussed on the need to ensure that the open borders between India and Nepal are not misused. We stressed on close ties between our defence and security establishments,” he added. He voiced confidence that today’s talks would prove beneficial in setting high targets for the future of their bilateral ties. Referring to the Nepal PM’s visit to Varanasi tomorrow, he said that there are age-old close links between Kashi and Nepal. “I am confident that you will be happy in seeing the new changes in Kashi,” he added, referring to the newly-built Varanasi corridor, and the Hindu links between the two nations. RN