Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that he and his party are committed to one-China policy.

“Tibet is an integral part of China and I am firm on one-China policy,” Deuba told mediapersons at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival after a six-day visit to India.

Expressing serious reservations about what he called “fabricated news”, the three-time prime minster denied meeting Tibetan leaders in Goa, India, where he attended a conference organised by India Foundation. 

“Let me make it clear that I did not meet any Tibetan leader there,” said Deuba.

Deuba’s Goa visit had run into controversy after reports that he had met representatives of the Tibetan government in exile. Stating that even Indian ministers and leaders “feel awkward” to meet Tibetan leaders in exile even though they live in the same country, Deuba questioned: “What makes you think I would go there and meet them?” 

On his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other political leaders, Deuba said Modi demonstrated his goodwill towards Nepal. “Talks between us primarily focused on strengthening Nepal-India bilateral relations and post-earthquake reconstruction and rehabilitation works,” Deuba added. “In regard to amendment to the constitution, I told him that our ruling coalition was fully committed to the cause.” 

Stating that a constitution amendment proposal will be tabled in a week, he expressed hope that the CPN-UML and the Madhes-based parties would come to consensus on the matter. “I am confident that the Madhes-based parties and the UML would come to a meeting point as they too understand the dangers of a constitutional vacuum in the event of failure to hold the polls,” said the NC president.