India has said the Nepal government’s registration of a constitution amendment bill in Parliament is an “important step”.

“As part of the ongoing efforts, the registering of a Constitution Amendment Bill in the Nepali Parliament on November 29, 2016 is an important step,” said Spokesperson for Indian Ministry of External Affairs Vikas Swarup. Responding to the Post’s question on the bill, Swarup said, “Our consistent position has been that peace, stability and progress of Nepal is in the interest of both India and Nepal. We have therefore been supportive of initiatives of the government of Nepal to meet the aspirations of all sections of its society through dialogue and constitutional process.

“We hope that all sides will remain closely engaged and the ongoing efforts would be concluded successfully,” he said, while reiterating that “as a close and friendly neighbour of Nepal, India will continue to extend all support for Nepal’s peace, stability and economic development as prioritised by the people and government of Nepal.”

Earlier Indian officials, during a conversation with Nepali Ambassador to India Deep Kumar Upadhyay, had also reacted to the registration of the amendment bill along the similar line, calling it a positive step towards peace and stability in Nepal.