Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Sunday said he tried to clear the “misconception” about Nepal’s new Constitution during his India visit when he also assured the Indian leadership that he would not allow the Nepalese territory to be used against any of its neighbours.
Mr. Oli said he has always emphasised on maintaining Nepal’s territorial integrity and sovereignty while making bilateral dealings and during his visit to India, he tried to maintain “high dignity” of the country.
He said that during his high-level political meetings in Delhi, he had “tried to clear all doubts regarding the misconception” about the new Constitution of Nepal, opposed by Madhesis who are largely of Indian-origin.
“The constitution has treated all the citizens equally and there is no bias against any community,” he added.
The 64-year-old Premier said his maiden six-day state visit to India, which was his first overseas, had been instrumental in clearing past misunderstandings and contributed in strengthening the relations between the two neighbours.
“My visit to India has succeeded in bringing the relations back on track,” pointed out Mr. Oli, speaking as chief guest at a programme here.
“Nepal—India relations can see ups and downs in the course of time and move hither and thither but there is no way that the relations could take a wrong course”, he said, while terming the visit as “very much successful” that “made significant contributions in strengthening the bilateral ties”.
Mr. Oli, who is expected to travel to Beijing next month, also rejected reports that he had played the China card against India.
“I don’t believe in playing cards for one against the other. We want to develop friendly relations with both our neighbours on the basis of equality and mutual benefits,” he clarified.
He said he had properly conveyed the message to the Indian leadership that Nepal would not allow its territory to be used against any of its neighbours.
“We will definitely honour and respect India’s genuine concerns and interests,” he pointed out.
