Nepalese Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ will be going back satisfied that his visit to New Delhi has generated lot of positivity and enthusiasm between the two countries, and today there is a stronger commitment to work together. Terming his bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highly successful and positive, Prachanda said on Saturday Nepal’s peace process and Constitution had the goodwill and encouragement of India. He added that India’s continued support was important for the Himalayan country’s overall development and healing, particularly after the devastating earthquake, and since the two countries were tied together geographically, historically and culturally it was unimaginable to think of Nepal’s growth without India.
Prachanda also underlined the fact that the Indian Government was the first to reach out generously at the moment of crisis in Nepal and that there was no alternative to the relationship it shares with India. Prachanda’s statement is significant as it comes on the heels of the previous Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s pro-China leanings.
Prachanda even denied suggestions that India was against the peace process in Nepal and was interfering in its internal matters and added that India's 'goodwill' and support was important.
"My visit to India is both a challenge and opportunity. When I spoke to Modiji, I felt I have faced the challenge, and by the end of the meeting I had converted it into an opportunity. Modiji se meri khule dil se baat hyui, vishwas ke saath baat huyi (I had a free, frank and confidential dialogue with Modi.) I am confident that this meeting is going to be a historical achievement for all," Prachanda said and added that his visit was full of enthusiasm, affection and hope from both sides and he would like this mood to continue.
"I had come to India will a definite and defined purpose. I chose to come here within a month after my taking over as PM as the decision was a concrete step in materialization of my policy statement that relationship with neighbours is top priority. There is a convergence between India's neighbourhood-first policy and my Government's top priority in improving ties with the neighbours. Relationship between neighbours is also based on understanding each other, recognising and respecting the concerns and sensitivity. Trust and understanding between two neighbours is vital," Prachanda said.
The Nepal PM also made it clear that last year when anti-India sentiments were on a high and the incumbent Government was blaming India for interference, he never pointed fingers towards New Delhi. "I never blamed any country for instigating Madhesis. I was myself part of that movement…My Government is committed to take on board all sections of the Nepalese society and accommodate all legitimate demands of its people within the given framework. And as we move to the phase of implementation of the new Constitution, there will be consolidation of peace, stability, inclusiveness and in democracy in Nepal. For this goodwill and support from India remains valuable and encouraging," the PM said giving clear indications that his Government will address India's concerns and will make all the necessary changes needed to accommodate aspirations of those sections of the Nepalese society who are feeling unhappy with the present Constitution.
He added his Government was working to find a solution to the Madhesi demands on the issue of Constitution and just a day before coming to India he had a positive meeting with Madhesi leaders on this. Prachanda added that he will now work towards getting the two-third majority for the amendment.
"We have seen intermittent glitches in our relationship and there were misunderstanding but such things cannot affect our relationship. We may not agree on all issue, but still it cannot be difficult to work together. "Trust and understanding are fundamental elements of any bilateral ties," Prachanda said.