External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday wrapped up his three-day visit to Nepal with a clear message that India wants democracy to prevail in Nepal, and the best way to ensure this is through internal consensus.

Speaking to journalists at the Tribuvan International Airport before his departure, Mukherjee said that sorting out of issues involved in the peace process is best done by forging a political agreement. He also said that he was optimistic about it.

The "aim of the ongoing peace process should be a multi-party democracy", Mukherjee said. The emphasis "democracy" comes in the way of the Maoist party's declaration to set up "People's Federal Republic", a synonym for communist dictatorship.

According to official sources, Mukherjee extracted a firm commitment from Nepal's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister that they would protect the Indian business community and create a healthy atmosphere for their investments.

The External Affairs Minister also brought up the recent shutdown of the Unilever Colgate Plant and Dabur Nepal, which had shut down for several weeks following threats by a pro-Maoist trade union.

Asked whether Maoist cadres should be integrated in the Nepal army, Mukherjee said that it was an "internal matter, which is for the Nepalis to decide". He said that they should go by "consensus and political agreement".

In a meeting with his counterpart Upendra Yadav, Mukherjee is believed to have advised him to weigh the pros and cons of the matter seriously.

"During my visit, I called on President Ram Baran Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and discussed with my distinguished colleague Upendra Yadav and other top political leaders. In each of these meetings, I found a strong mutual desire to carry forward the unique relationship that our two countries enjoy."