Nepali PM’s visit to India more of a courtesy call
Nepali Foreign Minister Upendra Yadav made the announcement when he and his country’s official delegation left for the Indian capital. He told AsiaNews that it was more of a courtesy call and that no trade or economic agreements with Nepal’s neighbour were expected.
The visit itself had been a source of tensions between the two countries after Mr Prachanda’s appointment as prime minister.
Traditionally Nepali heads of government visit India in their first foray abroad. By contrast, Mr Prachanda visited China first for the closing ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.
Voices of protest came from India but were quickly answered by the Nepali prime minister who said that the China trip was just a “goodwill visit” without any political implications. He did never the less hold talks with Chinese leaders, including President Hu Jintao.
During his visit to India the Nepali leader is not expected to sign any treaty because it is not part of his duties, this according to former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. At present the current government is only tasked with “re-writing the constitution, complete the peace process, and respond to Nepalis’ immediate needs.”
A Nepali journalist in New Delhi said that the visit is low key affair because of last week’s bomb attacks in the Indian capital’s commercial district.
“Despite it, Prime Minister Prachanda was met by the Minister of State for Home Affairs under tight security,” said Gopal Khanal. “But not much is expected from such a low key visit; no important agreements should be signed.”
In an atmosphere marred by the recent violence Mr Prachanda tried to ease tensions with its neighbour by honouring India’s apostle of pace. He visited the Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi’s memorial, paying tribute to the fallen leader in his last resting place.
Finally, unlike other Nepali leaders who visited India, Prachanda wore a western suit and did not release any statement to the press before he left.
The start of his visit coincided with the historic Hindu carnival of Indra Jatra, which was celebrated yesterday throughout Nepal.
For the first time the celebrations were presided by Nepal’s president, Rambaran Yadav, who was elected last month by the Constituent Assembly following the demise of the monarchy in late May and the advent of the republic.
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01/07/2010
03/08/2016 16:02
