Nepal PM’s China visit snub to India

Amid hiccups in Indo-Nepal ties over the Madhesi issue, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli is set to embark on his maiden China visit soon, ignoring the usual practice of visiting India first by a new premier.

“PM Oli will visit China in the beginning of the New Year 2016 during which many agreements will be signed,” deputy prime minister Kamal Thapa said.

Mr Thapa, who returned to Kathmandu after concluding his week-long China visit, said the schedule has been finalised for Mr Oli’s visit amid the political crisis over the Madhesi issue.

Madhesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with Indians, have imposed a general strike in much of southern Nepal, causing a shortage of fuel and other essential goods.

The proposed China visit of Mr Oli, who took over as prime minister in October, is in contrast to the usual practice that the new Prime Ministers of Nepal follow. Most of the Nepalese premiers have visited India, ahead of China. Only Mr Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Pracha-nda” had rubbed India the wrong way when he chose China as the first destination of his foreign visit after taking over as Nepal’s Prime Minister and attended the Beijing Olympics 2008.

India has been rather cold to Prachanda over the years and sees him as someone keen on pushing Nepal closer to China.

Talking to reporters at the Tribuvan international airport here, Mr Thapa said a formal agreement to import fuel from China will be signed during Mr Oli’s visit.

China has agreed to provide 1.4 million litres of fuel worth 10 million yuan to Nepal, Mr Thapa said adding that the fuel would be a grant. Nepal Oil Corporation transported the fuel from Kerung of Tibet, The Kathmandu Post reported.