Asserting that India wants Nepal to resolve the ongoing crisis there itself and the ties between the two nations are centuries old, external affairs minister on Monday rejected allegations that India
Asserting that India wants Nepal to resolve the ongoing crisis there itself and the ties between the two nations are centuries old, external affairs minister on Monday rejected allegations that India was adopting a “big brotherly” attitude towards the neighbouring country. She said Nepal is a sovereign country and India respects it and only has a “elder brother who cares” approach towards it.
The minister said India had only advised as a “friend and a well-wisher” the neighbouring country to resolve the crisis as it could impact it as well if agitation by Madhesis turns violent.
Rubbishing charges that India was imposing a blockade of supplies to Nepal, she informed Parliament that India has asked Nepal among other things to send the list of medicines it requires and essential commodities are entering the Himalayan country through other borders than Raxual-Birgunj, where Madhesi protesters are demonstrating against Nepal’s new constitution.
Replying to a debate in Rajya Sabha on India-Nepal relations during which members expressed concern over the deterioration in ties, she said the government shares their sentiments as also Nepal’s worries which has been hit by a blockade of supplies from India due to the Madhesis agitation.
“Still a way can be found... We are doing the same... We want to see a resolution through consensus so that supplies could be restored at the earliest,” Ms Swaraj said. She added India has conveyed this to the Nepal government as well as the agitating Madhesis.
Rejecting the charge of interference into the neighbour’s affairs, she said, “Nepal is a sovereign country and we respect its sovereignty. We are not prescriptive but only give advice.”
Allaying apprehensions voiced by JD(U)’s Sharad Yadav, the minister said there is no need to have any doubts over the government’s intentions.
“The present government will also follow the same path on which previous governments have handled Nepal. There is no difference between the deeds and actions of the government. This government does what is speaks,” she said.
During her speech, Ms Swaraj praised senior Congress leader Karan Singh for his “balanced speech” and for raising the issue of Terai people in Nepal and its interim constitution and the demand for proportional inclusion in their Constitution.
