Prime Minister Narendra Modi left for a 2 day visit to Nepal on Friday.Prime Minister is to hold bilateral talks with his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli besides meeting the President and Vice President of Nepal.

The two premiers are to jointly lay the foundation stone for Arun 3 hydropower project. PM is to offer prayers at Ram Janaki temple in Janakpur, Pashupatinath, and Muktinath as well. In Nepal preparations to welcome Prime Minister Modi has been completed. Our correspondent reports that capital Kathmandu and historic city of Janakpur has been marvelously decked and people eagerly waiting to welcome PM Modi.

In the first leg of his visit, PM Modi will arrive at the historic city of Janakpur on Friday morning. He will visit famous Janaki temple and offer special prayer. Later Prime Minister Modi will be given a civic reception by the Janakpur Sub-Metropolitian City.

In the afternoon, PM will reach at Kathmandu, where he will call on President Bidya Devi Bhandari and Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun.

In the evening PM Modi will have delegation-level talks with Nepalese Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli. Later both the prime ministers will jointly lay the foundation stone of Arun-III hydropower project through remote control and make the press statement.

PM Modi will also have meeting with former Prime Ministers of Nepal. He will also be present at banquet hosted by PM Oli.

In a statement ahead of his leaving, PM wrote on Facebook and Twitter : 'This will be my third visit to Nepal as Prime Minister. It reflects the high priority India, and personally I attach to our age-old, close and friendly ties with Nepal'

On the consequence of the visit, PM wrote: 'My visit closely follows the State Visit of Prime Minister Oli to India last month. These high-level and regular interactions reflect my government's commitment to the 'Neighbourhood First' policy, in consonance with the motto of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

Recalling the steps taken by the 2 countries in the area of development co-operation, PM ‘s statement added: 'Together, our two countries have completed several bilateral connectivity and development projects in the last few years, and have initiated transformational initiatives for the benefit of our two peoples'

'In addition to Kathmandu, I am also looking forward to visiting Janakpur and Muktinath. Both these places attract a large number of pilgrims every year. They are living testimony to the ancient and strong cultural and religious ties between the peoples of India and Nepal', PM concluded.