India ready to lend hand to Nepal, says FM Yadav

KATHMANDU, Sept 1 - A senior minister has said that the Indian government has vowed to extend its support to resolve problems in Nepal.Minister for Foreign Affairs Upendra Yadav, who returned to the capital today after taking part in the ministerial meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral ...

Speaking at press conference organised at the Tribhuwan International Airport in the capital today upon his arrival, Minister Yadav said that the Indian side seemed positive to take long-term measures to avert further destruction both in Nepal and India by the breach of the Koshi Barrage.

“India has assured to supply petroleum products, foodstuff and extend maximum possible assistance to deal with difficulties inflicted by the Koshi floods,” Yadav said. “We discussed the long-term plans on technical level and immediate relief operation including temporary shelters and resettlement of the displaced,” Yadav added.

Saying that the Indian leaders have no suspicion on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s recent China visit, Minister Yadav informed that attempts are being made to arrange the prime minister’s India visit prior to the United Nations assembly.

Yadav, who is also the coordinator of the Madhesi People’s Rights Forum that is the third major party in the coalition government, said the Indian government is ready to review the 1950 Treaty signed between Nepal and India.

Moreover, Minister Yadav informed about his consultations with his Bhutanese counterpart apropos to the refugee issue.

The foreign minister said that the Bhutan government expressed willingness to hold discussions on the issue at the earliest though some refugees who were taking shelter at camps in Jhapa district have been resettled in third countries.

During his four-day India visit, Yadav held discussions with the Indian prime minister, foreign minister and various Indian leaders.