New Delhi, May 12 -- India reiterated its relationship with Nepal on Tuesday, in response to reports of tensions between the two countries and amid the delay in the Indian Foreign Secretary's visit to Nepal.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Randhir Jaiswal, stressed, during a press briefing here in the national capital that India and Nepal continue to maintain "a warm and multifaceted relationship," noting that New Delhi is dedicated to improving relations with its Himalayan neighbour.
"As we have already congratulated the Prime Minister of Nepal on the completion of the elections, and formation of the new government, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has now congratulated him again. We are committed towards further strengthening our relations with Nepal," Jaiswal said.
He also informed that there had been talks between our External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Nepal, Shashikala Khanal in Mauritius."Efforts are being made by both sides to build up this relationship," he said.
The statements are made against the backdrop of reports from certain parts of the Nepalese media indicating tension between India and Nepal, especially because of reports that the Nepalese Prime Minister had failed to schedule a meeting with the Indian Foreign Secretary.
It was also speculated that the postponement of the proposed visit was connected with disagreements over the issue of Lipulekh as well as other border issues.
While quizzed regarding the postponement and whether the visit had been called off altogether, Jaiswal dispelled any speculation about any diplomatic setbacks and stated that the visit will happen following consultations.
"We have been invited by the Nepali side for the Foreign Secretary to visit Nepal. The dates of the visit will be finalised based on the convenience of both parties," he added.
India and Nepal have had their fair share of disputes in recent times despite being culturally, economically, and strategically close nations.
Their relations were strained due to Nepal's decision to publish a new political map in 2020, which incorporated Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura as parts of Nepal, territories claimed by India to belong to Uttarakhand. The matter was revisited when the construction of various infrastructural and connectivity projects around the borders attracted political backlash from Kathmandu.
Moreover, the developments that have been taking place in Nepal and Kathmandu's closer involvement with China have provided another dimension to Sino-Indian relations. In such a situation, both countries have to take care of their diplomatic sensitivities as well.
However, despite all these tensions, India's focus on the policy of "Neighbourhood First" continues to be visible. The two countries have stayed in touch through various economic and developmental cooperation programmes.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.