Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday referred to the common cultural heritage of India and Nepal and said the Nepalese people were "equally happy" as the temple for Lord Ram was under construction at Ayodhya. Addressing a gathering in Lumbini where he spoke in detail about the commonalities of faith and traditions of both sides, Mr. Modi said stronger friendship between the two countries was necessary to deal with the challenges emerging before the world at present.
"I had said in Janakpur that 'without Nepal, our Lord Ram is also incomplete.' I am aware that people of Nepal are feeling equally happy as an elegant temple for Lord Shri Ram is being built in India," said Mr. Modi at a speech to mark the 2566th Buddha Jayanti. Mr. Modi praised Nepal for preserving its ancient culture and civilisation and said, "Visiting Nepal is not a political matter for me, It gives me a spiritual experience." Prime Minister Modi had referred to the common links between the two sides during his visit to Janakpur in May 2018 when he had described Nepal as the abode of Lord Ram's consort Sita.
