KATHMANDU, Jan. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- India has opened an office of the consulate general in Nepal's southern city of Birgunj, according to a press statement issued by the Indian Embassy to Nepal on Tuesday.

    It is the first consulate of India in Nepal, which locates some200 km south of Kathmandu, the statement said.

    The office will serve Nepalese people as well as Indians by extending all services including issuing passports and registeringIndian nationals, processing applications for scholarships from Nepalese students, issuing vehicle permits for India and attestingconsular documents.

    "We hope the consulate will facilitate trade and commerce between India and Nepal, and assist in resolving bilateral commercial disputes and attend to trade related inquiries," the statement added. Enditem