Prime Minister Oli off to Mumbai from Gujarat

Thomson ReutersNepal’s Prime Minister Oli shakes hands with his Indian counterpart Modi during a photo opportunity ahead of their meeting at Hyderabad House in New DelhiNEW DELHI (Reuters) – The leaders of Nepal and India have overcome mutual misgivings, India’s foreign secretary said on Saturday, after talks to ease tensions over Nepal’s recently-adopted constitution. Both PM and Foreign Minister have extended greetings to Oli on his birthday which fell during his maiden visit overseas as PM. Oli was speaking at a conference organised by Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) in the national capital.

“India cautiously welcomes the new constitution, though she had earlier just “noticed” the adoption of the document”, it said. Nepal blamed India and its support of ethnic Madhesi protesters for the disruption in supplies, a charge denied by India. “India’s role of an elder brother is not similar to the Western concept of a Big-Brother”, Ms. Swaraj said, highlighting that India had tried to play a constructive role during the five-month-long economic blockade which began after the promulgation of the Constitution on September 20, 2015.

Nepal, he said, was keen to share in the economic progress achieved by India and wanted to lend impetus to the development of its abundant water resources through India’s participation.

Crucial entry points from India to Nepal were blocked by the agitators leading to shortage of essential supplies and medicines in the northern neighbour. On combating terrorism, he said, “We will not allow terrorists and criminals to use our open border”. The Oli government bettered and passed those amendments.

Modi had said on Saturday that success of the new Constitution depends on dialogue and consensus.

Kutch: Nepal Prime Minister O.P. Sharma Oli on Tuesday visited earthquake-hit Kutch and watched development and rehabilitation done by the various government and people of Kutch. India welcomed the amendments, paving the way for Oli’s visit. Oli later called on Vice President Hamid Ansari and President Pranab Mukherjee.

On resolving the issues flagged by the Madhesi community, Swaraj “reiterated” her gratitude to Oli for having put in place a political mechanism to address their concerns. This in my view is the most important outcome of my visit, ” Oli said. “This is the power of democracy, that we resolve our issues through political dialogue.”.