Amid hiccups in Indo-Nepal ties over the Madhesi issue, Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is set to embark on his maiden China visit soon, ignoring the usual practice of visiting India first by a new premier.
“PM Oli will visit China in the beginning of the New Year 2016 during which many agreements will be signed,” Deputy Prime Minister Kamal Thapa said. Thapa, who returned to Kathmandu after concluding his week-long China visit, said the schedule has been finalised for Oli’s visit amid the political crisis over Madhesis.
Madhesis, who share strong cultural and family bonds with Indians, have imposed a general strike in much of southern Nepal, causing a shortage of fuel and other essential goods.
The proposed China visit of Oli, who took over as prime minister in October, is in marked contrast to the usual practice the new Prime Ministers of Nepal follow.