Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar stated in the Rajya Sabha today that India is committed to further strengthen and expand cooperation with Nepal through regular bilateral exchanges and development assistance. <br/><br/>He said India would continue to fulfill the aspirations of the people of Nepal to ensure peace, stability and socio-economic development of the country. <br/><br/>Elaborating, Mr. Akbar said India is an active development partner of its neighbors and is involved in various projects in these countries. <br/><br/>India's relations with other countries stand on their own footing, independent of their relations with third countries. <br/><br/>The mutual ties between India and its neighbouring countries are characterized by an open border based on shared history, geography, culture, close people-to-people ties, mutual security and close economic linkages, the Minister emphasized.