India wants political consensus in Nepal

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday met Nepalese President Ram Baran Yadav and emphasised on India's enduring commitment to development and stability in the neighbouring country. He expressed hope that political settlement will lead to peace and prosperity in that country, said official sources.

In his talks with Yadav, President Pranab Mukherjee said that India's relations with Nepal was deep rooted and without parallel. "It is in India's interest that Nepal progresses as a stable, secular, democratic republic," Mukherjee told Yadav. "It has always been India's endeavour to support peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal, in accordance with their wishes. As a close friend and neighbour, India will continue to do its best to assist Nepal in its socio-economic development," he added.

External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid also called on Yadav. "There was a discussion on the current situation in Nepal. The minister emphasised that it is in India's interest that Nepal progresses as a stable, secular and democratic republic and indicated that India would welcome whatever consensus emerges among Nepali political actors," sources said.

Khurshid lauded Yadav as "a great friend of India" and stressed that his support "had played a crucial role in strengthening India-Nepal relations". He apprised Yadav on "efforts being made to supply additional electricity to Nepal during the lean season". He added that short-term measures to augment grid connectivity of 40-55 MW had been completed and India was working to increase it.

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