“What is happening in Nepal is internal to Nepal. We wish Nepal well in its transition to a fully democratic polity and would hope that the present crisis is resolved in a manner which contributes to the early conclusion of the peace process,” External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said in a statement, in India’s first official response to the political turmoil in Nepal following the sacking of its Army chief on Sunday.

Further, he stated: “We would hope that the broadest possible political consensus would make it possible for Nepal to concentrate on the agreed tasks of Constitution making and of democratic transition.”

At the same time, sources said Gen Katawal was sounded out that he must ensure the Army works closely under the leadership of President Ram Baran Yadav. Information reaching New Delhi suggested that the Maoists were planning to play “tough opposition”, take to the streets and build up an anti-Army movement but they were still not walking out of the process.

This does provide some relief to India, but it is now being felt that New Delhi should reach out to other Maoist leaders and not just Prachanda and Bhattarai.