Nepal never accused India of destabilising the government of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Nepal, Kamal Thapa, said explaining that the recent bilateral problems resulted from “misrepresentation of facts.”
“Nepal and India have resolved their misunderstandings, bilateral relationship is back on track,” Mr. Thapa said at an event organised by the South Asian Women in the Media (SAWM) on Friday, and added, “let’s put past behind.” Mr. Thapa is visiting New Delhi to attend the first convocation of the South Asia University which is scheduled for June 11. He met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Friday for a bilateral meeting which was attended by Foreign Secretary S. Jaishankar and Joint Secretary (North), MEA, Abhay Thakur.
It was the first time that the two Ministers met after Nepal recalled its ambassador, Deep Kumar Upadhyay, in the first week of May accusing him of destabilising the government of Prime Minister Oli.
MEA statementExplaining the agenda of the bilateral meeting, a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs said, “Bilateral mechanisms were reviewed — including political exchanges, connectivity and trade. External Affairs Minister reaffirmed India’s interest in development and stability in Nepal.”
Mr. Thapa’s visit is significant in view of the volatile budget session of Nepal’s Parliament and repeated warnings from the UCPN-Maoist, the coalition partner of the Oli government, about the fact that its leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal should succeed Mr. Oli after the budget session. Mr. Thapa, however, ruled out any sudden development in Mr. Oli’s government and said, “There is no threat to the government led by PM Oli.”
