Advocating for a new dynamism and vision in the relationship of India and Nepal, Nepal's first Maoist Prime Minister, Pushpa Kumar Dahal 'Prachanda' on Monday said in New Delhi at India Incs meet that his country's ties with India are “crucial, vital and unassailable” and incomparable to any other country.
“Due to our specific cultural, historical and tradition of economic inter-dependence, relations with India are crucial and vital. Although we want to develop relations with China, they can not be compared right now and there is no question of comparison,” said Prachanda addressing Indian business community led by Confederation of Indian Chambers (CII), Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI) and Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASSOCHAM).
Laying out red carpet for Indian companies to invest in the landlocked Himalayan country's agriculture, tourism and power sectors, and nodding with Indian investor's apprehension of security threat, he said: “The government of Nepal remains committed to adopt every possible measures to provide investors the necessary securities, comprising expatriation of capital and profit earned by them in the country."
A 44-member Nepalese delegation led by Prime Minister Prachanda arrived on five-day official visit in New Delhi Sunday. On Monday morning, Prachanda placed a wreath at Rajghat and met External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. He paid a courtesy call on President Pratibha Pati, Vice President Hamid Ansari, Sonia Gandhi and also interacted with Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani.
Later in the evening he held talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on various issues including the 1954 Kosi River Treaty governing usage of its waters which flow to India from Nepal. The two leaders also reportedly discussed on 1950 Trade and Transit treaty, which the Nepal Prime Minister wanted to be reviewed or even replaced with the new one.
The detail of the talk, though not revealed on Monday, is expected to be released in a joint statement on Tuesday. The two leaders, sources say, also discussed on the border dispute, security issue and India expressed concerns about Nepal becoming a safe haven for ISI operatives.
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