JOIN US On its part, India affirmed its commitment to Nepal's peace process and voiced confidence that the Jhala Nath Khanal government here would be able to draft a new Constitution by the May 28 deadline to take the democratic process forward.
“Peace process and drafting a Constitution are the twin responsibilities of the Prime Minister of Nepal and I am confident that he will be able to fulfill his responsibility,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna, who is on a three-day visit here, told reporters after meeting Nepal’s top leadershipKrishna, who met President Ram Baran Yadav, Premier Khanal and Deputy Premier Bharat Mohan Adhikary.
He discussed about peace, security, bilateral cooperation and current political developments in Nepal with them.
During the talks, Nepal assured India that it would address its security concerns.
Instability and insecurity in Nepal would also pose a threat to India, Khanal’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Milan Raj Tuladhar said, briefing reporters about the talks.
“The Prime Minister has assured India that Nepal will not allow any activity that would pose threat to India’s security,” he said.
India also pledged its support to Nepal's endeavours towards economic development.
Describing his meeting with Khanal as “very friendly and purposeful,” he said he was “completely satisfied” with the discussions he had with the Nepalese leaders.
“The Prime Minister of Nepal referred to the unique friendly relations between Nepal and India which we totally identify with,” S M Krishna said.
The relations between the two countries would be further strengthened by frequent exchange of bilateral visits, he added. Tuladhar said that the Prime Minister spoke about the progress made in the peace process and Constitution-drafting during talks with S M Krishna.
“We have been discussing with the Maoists to work out modalities for smooth integration of their combatants (with the Nepalese army),” he said quoting the Prime Minister.
All political parties including the Nepali Congress have inched closer to consensus on taking the peace process to a logical conclusion, he said.