Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle met his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi on Thursday for talks focused on post-flood reconstruction and strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

The two ministers held a wide-ranging discussion on development cooperation, trade, investment, energy and connectivity, as well as other areas of mutual interest, according to the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi.

According to India’s Ministry of Finance, the two ministers discussed the impact of the floods and Nepal’s priorities for reconstruction and rehabilitation. Sitharaman offered condolences for the lives lost and said India would continue to support Nepal’s recovery and rebuilding.

“The discussions covered strengthening of bilateral economic ties in various areas, as well as initiatives to enhance connectivity for deepening of trade, investments and people-to-people exchanges,” said India’s Ministry of Finance.

Wagle thanked India for its help, the ministry said, including relief supplies and technical support for rescue and relief operations.

The ministers also discussed ways to strengthen bilateral economic ties. They talked about improving connectivity to deepen trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

Both sides emphasised the importance of further strengthening the trade and economic partnership between India and Nepal, the statement reads.

Wagle arrived in New Delhi earlier on Thursday for a three-day visit at the invitation of the Indian government. His visit comes as Nepal assesses the economic damage from recent disasters and begins planning reconstruction.

The talks with Sitharaman were part of Wagle’s programme aimed at advancing Nepal-India economic, political and diplomatic cooperation.

On Friday, Wagle is scheduled to attend a high-level diplomatic dialogue hosted by former Indian foreign secretary Shyam Saran, before meeting Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

He will also attend a reception hosted by Jawed Ashraf, chairman of the India Trade Promotion Organisation, on Friday evening.

On Saturday, Wagle will address a conference with Indian business leaders organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry. He will later attend an academic discussion on development economics at the Delhi School of Economics, where he will be the chief guest.