India sending Shyam Saran to Nepal

India is sending former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran to Kathmandu on Wednesday, reports Nilova Roy Chaudhury.

Concerned that indefinite postponement of elections to the Constituent Assembly in Nepal could create instability in Nepal, with which it shares open borders; India is sending former Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran to Kathmandu on Wednesday.

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Saran, a former envoy to Nepal, is mandated to meet all those involved in the political process to urge for an early return to the multi-party democratic process. The Indian envoy will not meet the King, despite widespread suggestions that India has been involved in secret parleys with the monarch. Also, contrary to comments by a former army general and analyst, there is "no question" of India sending any troops to the Himalayan nation.

According to senior officials, India's view is that the people of Nepal, who led the "jan andolan" or people's movement, should get a say in resolving issues of concern to them, like whether Nepal should be a republic or not. It is not for the political parties or the Maoists to decide.