Prachanda, to meet Singh today, on his maiden trip to India

The newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal, Pushpa Kumar Dahal 'Prachanda' will hold talks on Monday with his Indian counterpart Dr. Manmohan Singh on a wide-rang of bilateral issues. Among other issues talks would concentrate on tapping resources of sub-Himalayan water bodies to address hydropower woes of both the countries including 1950 bilateral Trade and Transit Treaty, which the Nepalese leader wanted to be replaced by a new one.

The two sides will also discuss the 1954 Kosi River agreement, which governs usage of the water of the common river which flows from Nepal into India. The breach in the embankment to the eastern side of Kosi river bordering Bihar caused devastated flood affecting 16 districts of Bihar. The talks will also be laid on steps to be taken to prevent such calamities. The Indian side too, want to amend the Kosi treaty.

A 40-member Nepalese delegation led by Prachanda arrived in New Delhi on Sunday. Prachanda on his maiden official trip after a month later when he took the office is expected to reshape the relations of Himalayan kingdom with India.

He will also hold business talks with leaders of Indian business and industry outlining his vision of cooperation expected in the field.

The Nepalese delegation was received on Sunday evening at New Delhi airport by Minister of State for Home Shakeel Ahmed and senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs.

During his four-day visit to India he will call on President Pratibha Patil, Vice President Mohammad Hamid Ansari, External Affairs Minster Pranab Mukherjee, the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, and the Leader of Opposition L K Advani.

Before leaving for Nepal on September 18 Prachanda is scheduled to visit Bangalore.

Ahead of his official tour to New Delhi, Prachanda said his aim is to review the 1950 trade and transit treaty apart from Kosi and other agreements.

“I firmly believe that the 1950 treaty should be replaced by a new treaty," said the Nepalese Prime Minister, adding that, he would also seek New Delhi's help in drafting the constitution of Nepal.

Prachanda's visit to China just after taking office had caused tension to New Delhi and forced it to mull whether Nepal wanted to get closer with China. However, Prachanda in order to downplay the issue said his trip to Beijing was only motivated to participate in closing ceremony of Beijing Olympics. It had nothing to hamper Nepal's close ties with India and asserted his first political visit will be to New Delhi.