Envoy to Nepal says India does not interfere in internal affairs

KATHMANDU: India has never meddled in the internal political matters of Nepal but has always been cooperative, intending to resolve the crisis Nepal is facing, Indian Ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae said on Wednesday.

“Yes, we keep on listening in Kathmandu during some political speeches that India is interfering in Nepal’s internal matters but actually people in Nepal do not feel in that way,” Rae told reporters on the eve of India’s 68th Republic Day.

The role of India in Nepal is been matter of political and diplomatic debate in Nepal for long due to geographical proximity, open borders and visa-free travel on both sides along with cultural, religious, economic and social similarities.

Rae said India has always been thoughtful for the economic development of Nepal. “We have been keeping up with the efforts that could help Nepal-India bilateral relations grow stronger and positive.”

He said instability in Nepal’s would not benefit India.

“We hope whatever the political changes, conflicts and dilemmas Nepal is currently facing, be resolved as soon as possible. It will be beneficial for...both countries.”

He informed that a detailed project report of Pancheshwar multi-purpose electricity project is in the final stages. HTC