Nepal students can compete at IITs from next year: President

President Pranab Mukherjee has returned home after his three-day state visit to Nepal. The President described his visit as a mission of friendship that reflected the priority India attaches to strengthening its unique relationship with Nepal. At the conclusion of his state visit on Friday, President Mukherjee said, India will support Nepal in its pursuit of peace, stability and development as the two sides focus on implementing

bilateral development and connectivity projects. During his meetings with Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda and leaders of political parties, President Mukherjee said India remains committed to enhancing its partnership with Nepal in all areas of priority.

Reaching out to the younger generation of Nepal, India announced that from next year, Nepalese students would be able to compete for seats in IITs. Announcing the new opportunity for the students of Nepal, President Pranab Mukherjee said academic and student exchange programmes had been part of the "long tradition" in bilateral ties and India would continue to help Nepal with developing its human resources. President Mukherjee made this announcement during his speech at an event jointly organised by the think tanks of both countries.