As Nepal is undergoing a political transition under a new government, India on Friday pitched for implementing the country’s Constitution by accommodating aspirations of all sections and assured it of
As Nepal is undergoing a political transition under a new government, India on Friday pitched for implementing the country’s Constitution by accommodating aspirations of all sections and assured it of all possible support amid China’s efforts to gain ground in the Himalayan nation.
“You have been a catalytic force of peace in Nepal. I am confident that under your wise leadership, Nepal will successfully implement the Constitution through inclusive dialogue accommodating the aspirations of all sections of your diverse society,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told his visiting Nepalese counterpart Pushpa Kamal Dahal popularly known as Prachanda after talks on Friday.
Nepal hailed the promulgation of its new Constitution as a “historic achievement” but assured that “serious efforts” were being made to bring everyone on board. Prime Minister Modi held an “extensive and productive dialogue” with the Nepalese PM after which the two sides inked three pacts including one on India extending $750 million for Nepal’s post earthquake reconstruction.
Nepalese Prime Minister Prachanda said, “I shared with Modi ji that promulgation of the Constitution last year by the popularly elected Constituent Assembly was a historic achievement for people of Nepal. You are aware that my government has made serious efforts to bring everyone on board as we enter the phase of implementation of the Constitution.” But observers feel that he will be wary of being seen to be influenced by New Delhi on the Nepalese Constitution since Kathmandu is sensitive to any pronounced Indian intervention on the matter.
It is Mr Prachanda’s first visit to India after becoming Prime Minister for the second time. His predecessor K.P. Sharma Oli quit the top post in July following fresh political turmoil due to protest of the Nepalese Madhesi community — that inhabits the Terai — against the new Constitution.
Foreign secretary S. Jaishankar said later that the Nepalese PM had conveyed to India that he was in the process of bringing all sections of the population on board for the new constitution. He added that India had made its position clear to Nepal which was that India hopes Nepal will successfully implement the Constitution through “inclusive dialogue”.
“As immediate neighbours and close friendly nations, peace, stability and economic prosperity (Shanti, Sthirta aur Samrudhi) of Nepal is our shared objective.... Our friendship is time-tested and unique. We share our burden during difficult times, just as we celebrate each other’s achievements ... Open borders between our countries provide great opportunities for cooperation and interaction among our people. But, we must also continue to guard against elements that seek to misuse the border,” Prime Minister Modi said. The two countries also decided to continue cooperation in areas of defence and security. On his part, the Nepalese Prime Minister said his country has nothing but “goodwill” for India and that destinies of both the countries are “interlinked”.
Mr Modi said both sides have agreed to focus on “close monitoring” and time bound completion of all development projects being implemented by India in Nepal. He said speedy and successful implementation of ongoing hydropower projects will be ensured. “I conveyed to Prachanda that India stands ready and prepared to strengthen the development partnership with Nepal and we will do so as per priorities of people and government of Nepal,” he said.
“In this context, we have today signed the agreement for line of credit of $750 million for post-earthquake reconstruction of Nepal. I am confident that it would bring relief to millions of people affected by last year’s devastating earthquake. India has also agreed to extend additional Line of Credit for new projects such as Phase-2 of Terai Roads, power transmission lines, substations and a polytechnic in Kaski,” Mr Modi said.
Apart from the pact for Upgradation/Improvement of Road Infrastructure in Terai Area of Nepal, another pact provided for “Amendatory agreement to US$ 1 bn Line of Credit agreement signed on 25 November, 2014, enabling reapportioning of unutilised funds for post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Nepal.”
Prachanda, who arrived here yesterday on a four-day visit, was earlier given a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan. He is staying at the Rashtrapati Bhavan as a state guest. Prachanda also invited Modi and President Pranab Mukherjee to visit Nepal soon.
