External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna wrapped up his three-day visit to Nepal on Friday. During his “useful and cordial” meetings with Nepal's top political leadership, the Minister conveyed a range of concerns, emphasised the importance of completing the peace process, and expressed India's commitment to assist Nepal in its “transition to a stable, inclusive, multi-party democracy”.
In his final political meeting with Unified Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) chairman Puspa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda on Friday morning, Mr. Krishna strongly conveyed concerns that the Maoist party was stoking “anti-Indian” sentiment, disrespecting and attacking the Indian ambassador, and harassing Indian investors.
Mr. Dahal is learnt to have replied that the party was not anti-Indian and instead wished to improve relations between Nepal and India “on a new basis.” He also cautioned the Minister about a rising “interference” by India in Nepal's internal affairs.
“Mr. Krishna had a free and productive exchange of views with Mr. Prachanda on the peace process and other issues. The latter sought India's support to take the peace process forward,” said External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Vishnu Prakash.
Mr. Krishna emphasised that an early completion of the peace process was essential for the resolution of other political issues.
This focus on sequencing comes at a time when sections of the Maoist party demand that the peace process — relating mainly to the integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants — is concluded after the constitution-writing proces.
In bilateral discussions with the government, Mr. Krishna raised the issue of the smuggling of fake Indian currency notes and asked for the formalisation of the revised Extradition Treaty and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty.
He also told the Nepali side that it was “essential” to formalise the boundary strip maps.
The Indian delegation referred to the “harassment meted out to some of the larger Indian joint venture companies in Nepal,” and urged Nepal to develop an environment of trust and confidence to attract investment from India. Mr. Krishna also asked Nepal to provide adequate security to Indian diplomats and diplomatic premises in Nepal.
During his visit, Mr. Krishna met Nepal President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister M. Jhalanath Khanal, Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari and other leaders.
