Indian prime minister in Nepal to bolster ties

KATMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Nepal to meet top leaders, offer prayers at a revered Hindu temple and address the parliament.

Modi's visit is significant because India has a major influence over both the economy and politics in the much smaller Himalayan nation, and supplies all of Nepal's oil needs and much of its trade.

Indian and Nepalese officials are meeting later Sunday in Katmandu where agreements are expected to be signed. Modi is also scheduled to address the parliament.

Modi will also visit the Pashupatinath, a Hindu god Shiva temple, to offer special prayers on Monday.

Nepalese officials are hopeful India will agree to provide the energy-starved neighbor with electricity and help build hydroelectric power plants.

Modi returns home Monday.