Nepal, Oct. 23 -- Finance Minister Dr Swarnim Wagle has said Nepal and India share exceptionally close ties rooted in geography, culture and longstanding cooperation, adding that Nepal's new political leadership wants to take bilateral relations to a new level.

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit in New Delhi on Friday, Dr Wagle described the relationship as one marked by occasional difficulties but deep interdependence. "There may be occasional hiccups, but we are joined at the hip," he said, stressing that the two neighbours share bonds that go beyond geographical proximity.

Dr Wagle highlighted India's support for Nepal during major crises, including the 2015 earthquake and the devastating flash floods in August this year.

Recalling ...