The Indian government has indicated that bilateral efforts are being made to resolve problems between Nepal and India, including obstructions in supplies through border points due to protests by Madhes-based parties.

During a meeting with a Nepali diplomatic delegation, including Ambassador Deep Kumar Upadhyay, at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi on Wednesday, Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar said the Indian government was working to address the problems at Nepal-India border at the earliest.

“The proposed amendment to the new constitution in line with the spirit of the agitating Madhesi parties’ concerns is a welcome step,” an official quoted Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar as telling the delegation.

MEA Joint Secretary Abhaya Thakur, who looks after Nepal Affairs, and North-Division Director Mridu Pawan Das were present in the meeting.

Ambassador Upadhyay was accompanied by his deputy Krishan Prasad Dhakal and political councillor Tirtha Raj Wagle. During the 45-minute meeting, Indian officials inquired about the constitution amendment process. “The amendment process will take a maximum of three days once it is initiated,” a Nepali official told the Indian side.

Ambassador Upadhyay advised Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar to adopt the strategy of pushing supplies by clearing the negative environment of obstructions at Nepal-India border, which have been in place for the past four months.

“It is important to intensify supply of fuel, gas and medicines in view of our stock capacity and ease the system at border points including Birgunj,” Upadhyay told the Indian officials.

“We are optimistic about the amendment process in Nepal and the recent stage of political agreement in Nepal,” said Indian Foreign Secretary Jaishankar. “Most probably the necessary works will be carried out so as to clear the misunderstandings and problems between the two countries with the beginning of the New Year.”

Expressing India’s readiness to extend any kind of support for economic and political stability in Nepal, the Indian foreign secretary said it would be positive for the Madhes-based parties to work together to resolve the crisis.

Broader framework in place, says Rae

KATHMANDU: Indian Ambassador Ranjit Rae has said India will support the bid to seek political consensus among the government, main opposition and agitating Madhes-based parties.

Claiming that a broader framework has already been prepared, Rae said, “If talks take place in a serious manner, a solution is not that far.”

The ongoing agitation and unrest in Tarai is a political problem, said Rae on Wednesday while receiving a memorandum submitted by the Reporter’s Club Nepal, adding that the current standoff should be resolved through dialogue. “We support the government and parties’ bid to seek a political solution and wish it to be result-oriented and meaningful.” The Indian envoy also urged all sides to maintain flexibility.

“We do not have any other interest in Nepal except its stability and development,” he said.

 When asked about the petroleum deal with China, Rae said since Nepal is an independent country, it is free to maintain relations with India, China or other countries.

While outlining future course of Nepal-India ties, he said that new relations should be based on development.

He also said India is ready to welcome Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and that the Indian side has already extended an invitation to him.