Indian envoy to Nepal called for talks
Concerned by the political crisis in Nepal, the new Indian government has called its ambassador to Nepal for consultations.
Concerned by the political crisis in Nepal, the new Indian government has called its ambassador to Nepal, Shyam Saran, for consultations.
Though officials maintained Saran had been called for discussions on steps to further promote India-Nepal relations, informed sources said it was the continuing Maoist insurgency, compounded by the fluid political situation in the Himalayan kingdom, which had prompted New Delhi to do so.
New Delhi has been urging King Gyanendra to facilitate the installation of a multi-party representative government to help the nation tide over the crisis.
Nepalese prime minister Surya Bahadur Thapa resigned early this month in the wake of continuing political unrest.
King Gyanendra, who dissolved the elected government in 2002 and assumed executive powers, had appointed Thapa 11 months ago. But he is still to name a successor.
India believes multi-party democracy and constitutional monarchy are the two pillars that provide space for peaceful accommodation, resolution of differences and political stability and economic development of Nepal.
India has also offered to extend all assistance required by Nepal in this regard.